BACR program supports smokers trying to quit
Sonja Smith
Issue date: 9/25/09 Section: News
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If you had the opportunity to stop by BACR's booth on the first days of school, you may have learned some of College of Marin's smoking policies, as well as how you can quit smoking through affordable and free services.
Smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of all building entrances and covered areas
Smokers may feel that it's not fair to have designated smoking areas, and some if not most may think being more than 20 feet away from the building just to get a quick puff between classes is a little inconvenient.
"I think the smoking policy sucks." COM student Jesse Ibarra said. "I don't think it's right not to be able to smoke wherever I want to smoke."
How do non-smokers feel being surrounded by smoke? "I have asthma, so when students smoke in front of building entrances, it's not healthy for me to have to walk through that. I also think it's offensive," COM student Amanda Saffian responded.
Many smokers recognize the dangers of smoking, and some have tried to quit time after time with no success. This is where BACR and other community support services come into play.
BACR's main purpose is to provide help for smokers who are seeking support with becoming tobacco free. Other affordable services are also available for alcohol abusers and drug users.
The "Take Charge" program is a telephone helpline that offers support for smokers via phone. Funded by the California Department of Health, this program is completely free of charge and works around your own schedule.
When you call the "Take Charge" helpline, a staff person will offer a choice of services, including self-help materials, a referral list of other programs, and one-on-one counseling over the phone.
For more information on BACR call 1-800-No-Butts.
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