Healthy Communities
The majority of adult smokers want to quit and are looking for support to do so. Although fewer youth are using tobacco products, many are still starting. One of the most effective ways to support adults in remaining smoke-free, while also keeping youth from starting to smoke, is to provide smoke-free environments in which to live, work, and play.
Communities play a strong role in shaping social norms and creating health-promoting physical environments.
- Workplace Wellness
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In 2022, the PEI Smoking Cessation Program launched a new quit smoking resource: Working Together, Quitting Together: A Workplace Guide for Smoking Cessation.
This resource guides individuals through a 12-week quit journey of learning and self-reflection. Each week builds on the ideas and activities of previous weeks. By the end, individuals have a better understanding of the role smoking plays in their life, the tools available to help them quit, and the supports they might need to stay smoke-free in the future.
The guide is designed to be used alone, or as part of a facilitated, peer-led workplace wellness program.
- School Environments
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Youth and Young Adult Vaping: Quit Your Way Guide
This is an 8-week program designed to support youth and young adults (15-24 years old) who use tobacco or vaping products and want to learn more about quitting. It is designed to be delivered by an adult facilitator in a school setting; however, it can be easily adapted for community use. As leaders and role models, school staff are well positioned to support youth in their quit journey. School-based cessation initiatives typically focus on supporting students to quit by teaching important skills and coping mechanisms, providing social support, and linking students to community resources.
University of Prince Edward Island: Smoke-Free Campus Policy (2018)
UPEI’s Smoke-Free Campus policy aims to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for the university community members and visitors.Holland College: Board Policy 30-09 Tobacco and Smoke-Free Environment (2021)
Holland College’s policy provides a tobacco and smoke free environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. The use of tobacco and related products, or the smoking of any products, on College-owned or leased properties is prohibited. - Community Projects
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Summerside, PEI: Tobacco-Free Indoor/Outdoor Recreation Facilities (2008)
The Summerside Tobacco Free Indoor-Outdoor Recreation Facilities Policy was developed to protect the health of all city residents, with a special emphasis on children. This policy applies to all individuals (participants, officials, coaches, players, parents, visitors and volunteers) partaking in any sport or recreational activity taking place at indoor or outdoor city facilities.
The Charlottetown Smoke Free Places Bylaw expands on the city’s previous tobacco free policy. This bylaw takes a more stringent approach to restricting smoking at indoor and outdoor sport and recreation facilities and properties. The bylaw applies to community centres, sport fields, sport courts, parks, playgrounds, green spaces, arenas, swimming pools, boardwalks, trails, viewing areas, park benches and parking lots owned by the city.
The Stratford Smoke-Free Bylaw was passed in 2018. The bylaw bans smoking on any town property, which includes parks, playgrounds, sports fields, buildings, trails or property used for town events.
UPEI’s Smoke-Free Campus policy aims to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for the university community members and visitors.
Holland College’s policy provides a tobacco and smoke free environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. The use of tobacco and related products, or the smoking of any products, on College-owned or leased properties is prohibited.
The Summerside Tobacco Free Indoor-Outdoor Recreation Facilities Policy was developed to protect the health of all city residents, with a special emphasis on children. This policy applies to all individuals (participants, officials, coaches, players, parents, visitors and volunteers) partaking in any sport or recreational activity taking place at indoor or outdoor city facilities.