Caldwell Receives Grant to Become Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus

Caldwell, N.J., – Jan. 14, 2019  Caldwell University will become a smoke and tobacco free campus in 2020 thanks to a grant from the State of New Jersey.

Cindy Striano, Caldwell University’s executive director of health services, said the university is delighted to receive the grant to promote a healthier environment for students, faculty, and staff to learn, work and live. “We want to ensure clean air for all while encouraging healthier nonsmoking and tobacco-free lifestyle choices.” According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 500,000 people die annually from the negative effects of smoking which includes heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Striano says the monies from the grant will be used for education and awareness as well as smoking cessation programs.

Michelle Stauss, director of human resources, will work to provide education and initiatives to employees. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our CALDWELLNESS@WORK PROGRAM which encourages employees to explore healthy lifestyle options available on campus and through our benefit service providers. On February 6 we will be partnering with our employee assistance program to host a lunch and learn in an effort to educate employees on a variety of wellness topics including smoking cessation.”

In the fall of 2018, Striano conducted focus groups with students, faculty and staff to allow them the opportunity to voice their concerns and provide them with education.

Caldwell joins nearly 2,100 schools in the country that are smoke and tobacco free.