Dear Spectrum,
I would like to applaud CVS' decision to eliminate tobacco sales. I believe this will benefit UB's campus greatly. This is my third year studying at the University at Buffalo. I was excited to come to UB when I heard about its smoke-free policy, which went into effect in August 2009. Walking through crowds of smoke always bothered me and I would start feeling sick. Since I started here at UB as a freshman, I have seen a significant change on campus regarding smoking, and in August 2012 a huge step was taken to further support our campus' UBreathe Free Policy by determining Campus Cash could no longer be used to buy tobacco products.
As an intern for Wellness Education Services and a tour guide for Undergraduate Admissions, I no longer will get questions asking "Why does CVS sell cigarettes on campus if it is a smoke-free campus?" The UB Community receives a mixed message when cigarettes are sold on a campus that has a policy that prohibits people from smoking them.
I want to reduce the negative effects of tobacco at UB. During the fall 2013 semester, I helped collect nearly 800 signatures from the UB community for a petition: Penalty Needed For Those Who Disrespect UB's Smoke-Free Policy. In addition, we started a portable ashtray campaign to help reduce cigarette butt litter because it takes up to 25 years for a cigarette to decompose.
Having no more cigarettes being sold on campus is great news for UB, as we have been trying to get the North Campus CVS to stop selling cigarettes on campus for more than five years. In the next few years, more pharmacies and health care centers should be making this change. Pharmacies are supposed to help heal people, not make them sick.
This is a smart and forward-looking move that will help save lives - and force other companies to confront this critically important public health issue. I want to thank CVS for being a leader in better serving its patients' health care needs. Students can "Like" CVS' Facebook page and send them a thank-you note, post or tweet if they agree!
Students, faculty and staff who are interested in quitting smoking can get help on campus at the Wellness Education Services Quit Clinic in 114 Student Union on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. We offer free nicotine replacement gum, lozenges and patches and quit-smoking tips at those times or by appointment.
Matthew Waldman is a junior environmental design major.
