University offering free tobacco dependence services

Personal consultations and group sessions available

With the possibility of the university going smoke-free and tobacco-free in January 2011, University Health Services (UHS) is stepping up its tobacco-cessation services and offering free tobacco dependence services to all FIU students, faculty and staff who want to kick the habit.

One-on-one consultations and group sessions are available at both Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC) and Biscayne Bay Campus (MMC). Call 305-348-2401, extension 5, for an appointment at MMC and 305-919-5620, extension 4, for an appointment at BBC.

A proposed regulation due to go before the FIU Board of Trustees later this year would place FIU among the nation’s growing ranks of smoke-free and tobacco-free universities if it is passed. As part of its efforts to prepare the university community for this possibility, FIU’s Tobacco-free Campus Steering Committee has launched an educational and social engagement campaign that includes campus forums and these services.

“Our goal is to make sure that we have programs in place to assist people who are tobacco users,” said Mariela Gabaroni, assistant director of UHS.

UHS leaders acknowledge that not all tobacco users are interested in quitting. With that in mind, a workshop is being developed for tobacco users who don’t want to quit but want to manage their tobacco habit while on campus.