College Students/College Smoking

Did you know that smoking rates are increasing for college age students?

• Between 1983 and 2003, a sustained decline in cigarette smoking occurred in all age groups except persons aged 18--24 years.
• Among 18-24 year olds, 27.6% report smoking, compared to 20.8% among all adults.
• The age at which Virginians started smoking is highest among 18-24 year olds (43%).

Preventions Connections is working to address this population and to make a difference through a number of projects targeting colleges and community colleges. Our goals are to:

#1: Increase the number of tobacco-free grounds policies in community colleges;
#2: Amend the parameters of college student health insurance to include coverage of cessation services;
#3: Promote the Virginia Quitline and health center cessation services for young adults at a community colleges;
#4: Enhance resources for medical professionals in health centers about smoking prevalence rates and cessation resources.

We've made such strides with underage smoking - let's kick it up a notch!