Tobacco-free DHS
Healthier worksites • Help quitting
The DHS Tobacco-free Campus Policy will become effective May, 2008.Resources for quitting.
Training and print materials
Tobacco-free DHS training
This training is being delivered to managers at the worksites where the tobacco-free policy is being implemented. It provides an overview of:
- Tobacco-free campus policy
- Benefits available to employees
- Oregon Tobacco Quit Line resources
- And more
Download the training presentation.
Policy and Project Quit Card
This quick-reference card is for employees and clients. Tobacco-free campuses will receive a supply of these cards to distribute to employees, clients and visitors.
The card highlights the reasons behind the policy, what it will prohibit and when it will go into effect. The reverse side provides information on Project Quit and resources available through the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line.
Project Quit is the DHS campaign to help employees who want to quit tobacco. However, the information on the Quit Line may also be useful for clients or visitors to DHS facilities.
Print extra copies of the cards for your worksite:
Project Quit
Tip Card
Tips for talking with clients
The tobacco-free campus policy will help create a healthier DHS for employees, clients and visitors. If you see a client or visitor using tobacco, follow these tips:
- Be polite and friendly.
- Assume the person doesn’t know about the policy.
- Explain tobacco is not permitted on the DHS campus.
- Offer a Project Quit card, which has information on quit resources.
- Remind the person of links between tobacco use and health risks.
- Empathize with the person’s situation.
- Make a decision based on the situation — you may not want to insist, but offer a Project Quit card.
We want managers and employees to feel well-equipped to talk to clients and the public about the policy. Tobacco-free worksites will receive printed cards with these tips for use by staff who have direct contact with clients and the public. Managers at these locations also are receiving training to help them communicate the policy. If your worksite needs additional training or has questions, contact Tobacco-free DHS.
Tobacco facts and resources
- Tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable deaths in the U.S.
- Between 35,000 and 40,000 nonsmokers die each year from heart disease developed from exposure to secondhand smoke.
- In Oregon, 800 nonsmokers die every year from the effects of secondhand smoke.
- Tobacco use cost Oregon about $2 billion in 2002:
- More than $1 billion in direct medical expenses;
- More than $900 million in lost productivity due to premature death and disability
- Chewing tobacco and smokeless tobacco contain many of the same chemicals and poisons as cigarettes. Users risk oral cancer and high blood pressure.