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Architect of smoke-free campus initiative at University of Michigan Health System to speak at SUNY Upstate May 5

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- Linda Thomas, who led the University of Michigan Health System’s (UMHS) effort to become a smoke-free campus, will offer an insider’s look at what’s at stake in going and staying smoke-free during a public lecture May 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Medical Alumni Auditorium of Weiskotten Hall, 766 Irving Ave. on the campus of SUNY Upstate Medical University. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Thomas helped develop educational and smoking cessation programs for staff and the public as a way to smooth the campus’s transition to becoming smoke free. In addition she created the Tobacco Consultation Service at UHMS, which serves as a resource for all visitors, staff and patients at UMHS.

UHMS, with more than 17,000 employees, comprises the University of Michigan Medical School, three hospitals and approximately 30 health centers and 120 outpatient clinics.

Last year, SUNY Upstate announced that it would become a smoke-free campus, beginning Aug. 1, 2005. Currently smoking is only permitted in specific locations on campus grounds. Under the new policy, smoking will not be permitted anywhere on campus.