Beginning January 1, 2013, Clearfield Job Corps will implement a campus-wide tobacco ban.  Clearfield Job Corps staff members have been tobacco free since July 1, 2011.  The tobacco restriction will now extend to all 1,120 students who attend the technical training center.

“Given the current 60% tobacco use rate on campus, this change in policy will be difficult for students but not impossible,” said Todd Markham, deputy director Clearfield Job Corps. “Many students are in favor of the new tobacco restriction policy agreeing it will encourage current users to quit.”

One student noted on a recent survey done at the Great American Smoke-out event, “The temptation to smoke will be less since students will not be able to have any cigarettes all day long.”. Other supporters say the tobacco restrictions will create a cleaner, safer, and better place to work and learn.

“Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do to improve your health,” said Cara Yeager, Clearfield Job Corps tobacco use prevention program specialist.  Yeager is hopeful making tobacco use less accessible will be a good start towards the quitting process.

Tobacco cessation classes are held monthly to help students overcome their addiction to tobacco.  Students also have access to other free support programs including the Utah Tobacco Quit Line and Recovery Plus.

“We have been preparing for months to inform current students, incoming students, and the community of the new policy,” stated Center Director Jessica Joiner.  “The policy bans the use of any tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or similar products during the academic day. A designated smoking area is set up for a few hours after their school day as a good neighbor policy to keep students out of Davis County’s smoke-free parks and off Antelope Drive.”

Gloria Sawyer, a health educator with the Davis County Health Department added, “When tobacco-free policies are implemented, it’s proven to decrease current student tobacco prevalence and decrease the amount of tobacco used by those who continue to smoke or chew.  They can positively influence students’ perceptions of peer smoking and change social norms around tobacco use.”

“Today many employers have strict policies and regulations regarding tobacco use during work time,” said Lewis Garrett, director of the Davis County Health Department.  “In order for students to be prepared for the workforce, they must also become accustomed to tobacco use policies they will encounter while working outside of Job Corps.”

“On behalf of Davis County Health, we applaud and strongly support Clearfield Job Corps Center’s new steps to severely cut back on students’ use of tobacco products, and to provide a campus that restricts exposure to secondhand smoke,” said Garrett.

For more information, contact:

Lisa Spencer – Business and Community Liaison  – (801) 416-4344 or Spencer.Lisa@jobcorps.org