Bee Free

• Website: https://kickitca.org
• Phone: 1-800-NO-BUTTS (1-800-662-8887)
• Free, personalized coaching for California residents via phone, text, web chat, or email
• Provides free nicotine patches to eligible Californians
• Specialized programs for young adults and diverse communities

• Website: https://smokefree.gov
• Free resources from the National Cancer Institute including personalized quit plans, text messaging support, and the quitSTART mobile app

• Website: https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking
• One of the most effective cessation programs available in multiple formats
• Lung HelpLine: 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872)

• Website: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/how-to-quit.html
• Comprehensive information on FDA-approved medications, counseling options, and evidence-based quitting strategies

• Website: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco-surgeon-general-reports/reports/2020-smoking-cessation/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/sgr/2020-smoking-cessation/index.html
• Comprehensive evidence based review on cessation interventions and outcomes

• Website: https://www.cdc.gov/statesystem/
• Interactive data on tobacco prevention and control policies and programs

• Website: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/tob/index.htm
• Tobacco Control and Prevention Program - Project TRUST
• Project TRUST Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Phone: 1-800-NO-BUTTS (1-800-662-8887)
• Evidence-based strategies promoting tobacco cessation and smoke-free environments

• Phone: (909) 607-2115
• Email: student_affairs@kgi.edu
• Website: https://student.kgi.edu/student-affairs/index.html
• Students are encouraged to contact Student Affairs for information about campus programs and adjunctive cessation support (eg, stress reduction, mental health counseling referral)

• Phone: (909) 607-0821
• Fax: (909) 607-8853
• Email: hr@kgi.edu
• Faculty and staff should contact Human Resources or the Employee Assistance Program for available cessation programs and support

• Email: BeeFree@kgi.edu
• Contact us for questions, resources, assistance, or to schedule a consultation for free nicotine replacement therapy

KGI prohibits the use of all tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices on campus. This includes:

• All cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah, and smokeless tobacco (chew, dip, snus)
• Electronic cigarettes and all vaping devices
• All indoor and outdoor spaces on Institute-owned and leased property
• Within 25 feet of entrances, exits, and air intake structures
• Institute-owned or leased vehicles

The policy applies to all KGI-owned and leased property, including buildings, grounds, parking areas, and vehicles. This includes locations within 25 feet of KGI facilities.

KGI is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and productive learning and working environment. Tobacco and vaping have well-documented negative impacts on lung health, cardiovascular health, and mental health. As a healthcare professional training institution, we have a responsibility to model healthy behaviors. Our goal is to provide support, education, and resources rather than punishment.

Yes. The policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, visitors, contractors, and vendors on KGI property.

No. KGI does not maintain designated smoking or vaping areas. The entire campus is tobacco and vape-free.

Smoking may only be permitted in connection with research or ceremonial use, with prior approval from the sponsoring department and the Office of the President.

The official KGI Smoking Policy is available at https://www.kgi.edu/policies/index.html or you can download the PDF directly at https://www.kgi.edu/_resources/documents/policies/smoking-policy.pdf.

Use the anonymous reporting tool on this website to let us know about areas where smoking or vaping frequently occurs. This information helps us identify hot spots and improve implementation of the policy through targeted signage and education.

No. The reporting tool is strictly for identifying problem areas on campus, not individuals. Reports are used only to understand locations where signage or outreach may be needed. You will not be asked to identify any individual person. It is not used for enforcement or punitive purposes. Our focus is on awareness, education, and support.

Reports are anonymous and used to identify areas needing more signage, education, or awareness efforts. We take an educational approach focused on support rather than punishment.

Email the Bee Free team at BeeFree@kgi.edu for questions, concerns, resources, or assistance.

The Bee Free program offers:

• Educational materials and on-campus outreach
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) support including free patches or gum (4-week supply)
• Quit kits to help manage cravings (e.g., gum, lip balm, fidget tools, words of affirmation)
• Information and links to the EX Program by Truth Initiative
• Connections to external cessation resources
• Personalized support via BeeFree@kgi.edu

Students can also contact Student Affairs at (909) 607-2115 or student_affairs@kgi.edu. Faculty and staff can contact Human Resources at (909) 607-0821 or hr@kgi.edu.

Contact BeeFree@kgi.edu to schedule a brief consultation. After the consultation, we'll provide 4 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (patches and/or gum). Available to all KGI students, faculty, and staff.

Many free, evidence-based resources are available:

• Kick It California: Call 1-800-NO-BUTTS or visit kickitca.org for free coaching and nicotine patches
• Online support: Visit smokefree.gov or becomeanex.org for quit plans, tools, and community support

Most people who successfully quit have tried multiple times before succeeding—on average, it takes 8–10 attempts. Each quit attempt is valuable because you learn what triggers your cravings and what strategies work best for you. Evidence-based support significantly increases your chances of success. Consider trying a different approach or combination of supports this time.

Relapse is a normal part of the quitting journey. Many people try multiple times before successfully quitting for good. Contact us at BeeFree@kgi.edu for renewed support—we're here to help, not judge. Each attempt brings you closer to success.

Absolutely! You don't need to set a quit date right away. We can help you think through your relationship with nicotine, understand your triggers, build coping skills, and prepare for when you're ready to take the next step. Contact BeeFree@kgi.edu to start the conversation.

Yes. Vaping products contain nicotine (a highly addictive substance) and harmful chemicals that can damage your lungs and overall health. E-cigarettes can cause serious lung injury, and nicotine affects brain development in young adults. Learn more at Truth Initiative.

While nicotine may provide temporary relief, research shows it can actually worsen anxiety and depression over time. Here's why:

• The Withdrawal Cycle: Nicotine withdrawal causes anxiety, irritability, and depressed mood. Using nicotine temporarily relieves these symptoms, creating the false perception that it helps with stress.
• Increased Symptoms: Studies show that e-cigarette users have 1.67 times higher odds of reporting poor mental health compared to non-users. Over 60% of young nicotine users report experiencing anxiety symptoms versus 40% of non-users.
• Good News About Quitting: Research demonstrates that quitting actually reduces anxiety and depression. In Truth Initiative surveys, 90% of young people who quit vaping reported feeling less stressed, anxious, or depressed, and 47% felt more in control of their lives.

Nicotine does produce an immediate but temporary sense of relaxation and improved concentration. However, this effect is short-lived (lasting only minutes) and leads to dependence. Regular nicotine use causes brain changes that result in withdrawal symptoms - including anxiety, irritability, and depression when nicotine levels drop, creating a cycle of needing more nicotine just to feel "normal."

Withdrawal symptoms are typically most intense in the first few days to weeks after quitting. Physical symptoms usually peak within the first week, while psychological symptoms may take a few weeks to several months to fully resolve. The encouraging news: after a few months without nicotine, most people find their anxiety levels are actually lower than when they were using.

Bee Free is KGI's comprehensive tobacco- and nicotine-free initiative, supported by a grant to promote awareness, provide cessation resources, and create a healthier campus environment. The program includes education, access to nicotine replacement therapy, support services, and community events.

Follow Bee Free on Instagram: @beefreekgi for updates on events, resources, and community activities. You can also contact BeeFree@kgi.edu to learn about volunteer opportunities or to share ideas for promoting a tobacco-free campus.

Yes. Email the Bee Free team at BeeFree@kgi.edu for questions, resources, or assistance.