Tobacco-Free Colleges

The Problem

Young adults (ages 18-24) are the age group with the highest smoking prevalence in North Carolina. While the current smoking rate for all adults is 22.6%, the young adult rate is 28.2%, according to the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. 

HWTF Solution

In December 2005, HWTF awarded more than $1.6 million in Tobacco-Free Colleges (TFC) grant funding for 20 college-based tobacco use prevention and cessation projects. In January 2008, HWTF expanded its college initiative even further by awarding more than $1.4 million in Phase II grant funding for 48 campuses across the state. The TFC Initiative has been expanded in this second phase to provide assistance to all NC campuses in adopting and implementing comprehensive, campus-wide tobacco use policies. All grantees work to: 

  • Prevent initiation of tobacco use among young adults ages 18-24 
  • Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke on college campuses 
  • Promote tobacco use cessation among young adults 
  • Eliminate tobacco-related health disparities in this age group

Key Accomplishments

  • 11 NC schools adopted comprehensive tobacco use policies in FY 2007-2008.

  • In 2006, young adult callers made up approximately 12% of total call volume to QuitlineNC. In 2007, young adult callers averaged 20% of total call volume, with over one-fourth of all calls in the final quarter of 2007 coming from 18 to 24-year-olds.