Tobacco-Free Policy for GA-PCOM to Take Effect February 1

Beginning February 1, Georgia Campus – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM) will become tobacco-free. The move underscores the College’s commitment to providing an environment that promotes and supports a healthy lifestyle.

The new policy bans both smoking and smokeless tobacco products completely on all PCOM properties. These include cigarettes, cigars, pipes and products such as chewing tobacco, dip, snuff and electronic smoking devices. February 1 was chosen as the launch date for the policy as it coincides with the start of National Heart Month. Smoking significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease. The Georgia campus will implement smoke-free signage to enforce the rule.

Part of the revised policy’s official purpose states that, “as an academic institution dedicated to the training of healthcare providers as well as a provider of healthcare services to the community, PCOM has a vital interest in maintaining a healthy, safe and hazard-free environment for our faculty, staff, students, patients, and visitors and is committed to offering positive and helpful intervention strategies and treatment resources in addressing this issue.” In the wake of this decision, the College has encouraged the GA-PCOM community to participate in smoking cessation and wellness programs.

In October 2014, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) adopted a new tobacco policy which prohibits the use of tobacco products on all USG properties and thus all public university campuses in the state of Georgia, according to the USG’s official website.

By employing a tobacco free campus, GA- PCOM joins USG in addressing the harmful effects of tobacco use and promoting healthier communities.