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. - Resources for Schools
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Fact Sheets:
Posters:
- Take a Breath Campaign - Vaping Prevention (Sports/Fitness)
- Take a Breath Campaign - Vaping Prevention (Peer Pressure)
- Take a Breath Campaign - Vaping Prevention (Future Self)
Videos:
Content: Being tied to vaping isn’t cool. It’ll hold you back more than you think. Many who vape wish they never started. And that “stress relief” people talk about? It’s a myth. You don’t need to vape to fit in, you don’t need it to be cool. Stay vape-free and feel stronger, healthier, and more in control. Visit princeedwardisland.ca/QuitSmoking for more information.
Content: Take a breath and think about how vaping effects your health. Visit princeedwardisland.ca/QuitSmoking for more information.
Please contact us if your school wishes to receive printed copies of any of the materials listed above.
PEI COMPASS Study Results:
COMPASS is a comprehensive longitudinal study collecting student and school-level data from secondary students and the schools they attend in Canada. COMPASS collects student-level data from youth in secondary school on various health topics, including: substance use (e.g., tobacco, alcohol), healthy eating, physical activity, mental health, sedentary behaviours, sleep, bullying, academic outcomes and demographic characteristics.
COMPASS was first implemented on PEI during the 2022-23 school year. To read the full Provincial COMPASS Reports:
Youth Quit Your Way Program:
Supporting youth and young adults (ages 15-24) in their journey to quit smoking, vaping, and tobacco use.
What is the Quit Your Way Program?
The Quit Your Way Guide is a flexible and accessible 8-week toolkit designed to help young people quit smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products. The program provides practical strategies and resources to support healthier habits, manage cravings, and address withdrawal symptoms, particularly during the crucial first weeks of quitting.
Key Features of the Toolkit:
- Flexibility and Accessibility: The toolkit can be used by any trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, coach, or community leader. No formal professional health training is required to facilitate the program.
- Voluntary Participation: Youth can participate independently, ensuring privacy and removing barriers to access. No referrals are necessary to begin.
- Ongoing Support: Each week, participants receive new strategies to help them manage their quitting process and develop healthier habits.
How It Works: The toolkit is designed to be easy to implement and can be used in school or community settings. It provides continuous support, guiding both the facilitator and the youth participants throughout the 8-week process.
If you're interested in facilitating the Quit Your Way Program in your school or community, or if you'd like more information, please reach out to us at quitsmoking@ihis.org.
To review the program guide:
Quit your Way Program Guide for Youth and Young Adults
Please contact us if your school wishes to receive printed copies of the Quit Your Way program materials.
- 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.