Programs

Tobacco-Free School Policy Program

CANDLE, in partnership with New York State’s Department of Health Bureau of Tobacco Use Prevention and Control, assists middle and high schools in Rockland County in reviewing, developing and implementing comprehensive tobacco-free policies and procedures.

The Goals of the Tobacco-Free Schools Program are: To reduce youth tobacco use, To prevent inititiation and To reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.

The project is considered complete once a revised tobacco policy is approved by the district’s board of education, it is communicated to the students, staff, parents and community and staff surveys and grounds observations have been evaluated.

Research shows that the use of tobacco products is correlated to an increase in the use of alcohol and other drugs, sexual activity, fighting and lower academic performance, an increase in absenteeism, and a decrease in attention span.

Developing and enforcing a tobacco-free policy is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as one of the top strategies to prevent tobacco use and addiction.

Rockland County Participating Partners

The New York State Smokers' Quitline

Break Loose From Tobacco (Young Adult Resource)

Tobacco Fact Sheets

Tools For Quitting

Students Striving to Stop Smoking Resource Guide

Resources for Teachers and School Administrators

The Tobacco-Free Schools' Newletter

The Tobacco-Free School Policy Program Brochure