Tobacco Free College Campus Initiative: A Public Health Leadership Narrative

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created the Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative (TFCCI) to promote and support the adoption and implementation of tobacco-free policies at universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher learning across the United States. The Initiative collaborates closely with the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) as well as academic leaders, public health advocates, students, researchers, and other concerned citizens across the U.S. to accelerate the elimination of tobacco use on college campuses everywhere. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) and ASPPH have tasked ASPPH members with committing to the promotion of a 100% smoke-free or tobacco-free policy at their institution, and moving their campus toward that end. Schools and programs of public health are leaders in advancing population health. Beyond their education and training missions, schools and programs of public health carry out cutting-edge research and activities to support the most effective approaches to improving the health of the public. The Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative is an example of how academic public health plays a crucial role in advancing population health at their institution, in their communities, and globally.