It is currently National Public Health Week (NPHW), which began on April 6 and lasts until April 13.
Rock’s Pledge for a Tobacco- and Nicotine-Free Campus is a task force made up of students, professors and faculty.
The organization is working toward a tobacco- and nicotine-free campus through education and support.
For more information about the organization itself, individuals can read this article.
Two students in the task force spoke to The Rocket about National Public Health Week.
Kaila Jones and Julia Gesing are public health majors involved in the task force, planning events, providing education and spreading awareness.
“NPHW is an annual event that raises awareness about important health issues and promotes healthier communities. It takes place during the first full week of April and encourages education, prevention and community involvement in improving public health,” Jones said.
This Thursday, April 9, individuals can attend an event for NPHW put on by the Department of Public Health Sciences and Truth Initiative, a task force of students and professors.
The event is located in the Smith Student Center Theater from 12:30 to 1:45. All students are encouraged to attend.
“This event offers games, food, prizes, education and more. There are opportunities to learn about and support our initiative, access resources to help you quit, and learn about the harms of nicotine and tobacco use,” Gesing said.
Jones and Gesing share what they are most excited for students to learn and experience from this event.
“I’m most excited for students to learn more about our initiative while also having fun. We’ve worked hard to create an engaging event with games and activities, and we hope it encourages students, professors and faculty to get involved and help us make a positive impact on campus,” Jones said.
“I am excited for students to learn about the risks of nicotine and tobacco use and about our initiative on campus. I am also excited for students to learn about our survey and petition to work towards a nicotine- and tobacco-free campus,” Gesing said.
The task force has been preparing for this event since the fall semester.
“I started early by creating flyers, games, logos, t-shirt designs and other materials to stay organized and prepared. Thankfully, I’ve had the support of an incredible student task force, and our professors have been extremely helpful in guiding us through the planning process. Together, we’ve been working hard to ensure the event runs smoothly and successfully,” Jones said.
Individuals can follow Rock’s Pledge for a Tobacco- and Nicotine-Free Campus on Instagram at sru_tobacconicotinefree, and access the organization’s quitting resource, EXProgram.
“Feel free to send us a message on there with any questions,” Jones said.
