The UNLV Student Health Center, Student Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Clark County Health District Tobacco Control Program have joined together to offer a multidisciplinary smoking cessation program for UNLV students.

Under the new program, tobacco cessation information and prevention messages will be posted on bulletin boards on campus beginning this month. Nevada has the highest percentage of under-age smokers in the country and, according to a recent student survey, more than 25 percent of UNLV students smoke.

The awareness-building message boards, developed using student focus groups, will be placed in areas such as waiting rooms, locker rooms, changing areas, and restrooms.

"This is the first time message boards have been used in our state to facilitate smoking cessation among students, and UNLV is pleased to take this unique approach," said Tina Saddler, a nurse-practitioner with the Student Health Center.

"With this program in place, we hope to see an increase in the number of students who seek smoking cessation treatment."

Arlene Maurer, UNLV coordinator of Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programs added, "UNLV students will be offered individual counseling and medical assistance to help them achieve their goal of smoking cessation."

For more information regarding the UNLV Smoking Cessation Program, call CAPS at 895-3627 or Student Health at 895-3370.