Lurleen B. Wallace Community College is taking a “1Day Stand” against tobacco at all four locations on March 18, 2015.

“Our leadership team recently decided to take part in this one-day event as a way to show our support for healthy habits,” said LBWCC President Dr. Herb Riedel.

Supported by the Fresh Air Campus Challenge and Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative Challenge (TFCCIC), LBWCC is one of many colleges and universities across the country adopting a tobacco-free policy for one day to raise awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke.

“College is a time when young people are at a higher risk for starting smoking and transitioning from experimental to regular tobacco use,” said Riedel. “We want to encourage life-long healthy habits and ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone on campus. That’s why we are taking this stand and supporting those looking to quit.”

At LBWCC’s locations in Andalusia, Opp, Greenville, and Luverne, students are being encouraged to consider quitting for the day.

“We believe students understand the harmful effects of smoking and second-hand smoke, but quitting tobacco is hard,” said Riedel. “That is why we are participating in this event and encouraging students who may know someone trying to quit to be their ‘wingman’ and support them through the process. Encouragement could help someone kick the habit for good.”

Studies show that 99 percent of all regular tobacco users start by the age of 26. Tobacco is also the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States – and secondhand smoke is responsible for an estimated 49,400 heart and lung cancer deaths each year nationwide, according to TFCCIC.

To date, 12 Alabama colleges and universities and approximately 1,514 campuses nationwide have a smoke- or tobacco-free policy in place. This is in sharp contrast to 420 campuses in 2010.

“Compliance is strictly voluntary during this event, however, we hope that students, faculty, and staff will join and support this one-day stand and encourage participation,” said Riedel.

Students, faculty and staff interested in quitting smoking can find additional resources at www.alabamaquitnow.com