The health and safety of students, faculty and staff are vitally important to Howard Community College.  Clearly, smoking is a critical health issue, not only for those who smoke but for those exposed to it second-hand.

The HCC community is ready for action. In recent surveys, 78% of students and 88% of employees said they support making HCC a smoke-free campus.  Responding to this overwhelming support, HCC became smoke-free and tobacco-free effective May 31, 2011.

Click here for details about the new policy.

Adapting to the Smoke-Free Campus

Several resources are available to help students and staff adapt to the smoke-free campus.

Wellness Center. To help manage cravings, the Wellness Center invites students and employee to attend Free Auricular Acupuncture services on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10am through May 19.  In addition, the center will meet with students to discuss individual quit plans and provides guided meditation CDs in a relaxation room designed for those looking to quit smoking. Additional information and educational materials about tobacco prevention, second-hand-smoke and quitting strategies are available.  Location: Off the Galleria in CL 178.

HCC Counseling Center. Students who would like some assistance in dealing with the emotional aspect of the upcoming ban on smoking and tobacco products on campus may call HCC’s Counseling and Career Services Center to schedule an appointment to discuss coping strategies.  The Center is located on the 3rd floor of the RCF Building and can be reached at 443-518-1340. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Likewise, budgeted employees seeking similar emotional assistance may call the college’s EAP at 1-800-765-3277 for free discussions or appointments with trained counselors. Employees not eligible for the EAP (i.e., adjunct or temporary) may seek referral information from the Counseling and Career Services office.

Maryland Tobacco Quitline. The Quitline is a free service for Marylanders provided by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to help smokers in quitting tobacco. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.