Nicotine Awareness & Help (NAH)

Efforts to reduce nicotine use on campus, funded by The Truth Initiative.

The Truth Initiative awarded Columbia Health a grant to reduce nicotine use on campus. The Nicotine Awareness & Help (NAH) initiative is a part of Responsible Community at Columbia (RC@C), led by Alice! Health Promotion.  

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We want to hear your thoughts on nicotine use on campus

Hey students, faculty, and staff! Your feedback is vital in helping us understand the impact of nicotine use on the Columbia community and in shaping policies to promote a healthier campus environment.  

Please share your thoughts via a quick and confidential survey:

Students who fill out this survey can enter a chance to win a NAH-branded Hydroflask!  

NAH Campaign

Students play a key role in reducing nicotine use on campus. Our NAH Project Coordinators are Columbia students who plan and participate in community outreach and education. They also contribute to advocacy and policy discussions on nicotine use.   

Our Project Coordinators are working with our NAH Task Force on assessment of the current policy and recommendations for policy change. They will collaborate with students, staff, and faculty to achieve this goal on the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses.  

Cessation Resources 

For students interested in quitting nicotine or tobacco use, you can read more about Columbia Health’s services on the BASICS and Substance Use and Recovery page.   

For staff and faculty, please check your health insurance coverage for available resources or learn about options for support from Columbia’s EAP program. Residents of NYC can visit NYC Quits or call 311 to find local cessation resources.   

Vape Disposal 

Nicotine and vapes are considered hazardous waste. Community members may dispose of their vapes via the vape disposal bin in the waiting room of John Jay Hall, 3rd floor.

By using this bin, the Columbia community can safely dispose of vape products.  

If you need help learning about how to dispose of a vape or e-cigarette, please contact the Alice! team at [email protected]. 

Events & Engagement Opportunities 

The NAH Team hosts on campus events (such as tabling events and focus groups) and virtual town halls to engage and educate the campus community about nicotine use and perspectives on changes in our smoking and nicotine policies. 

Watch a recording of the NAH Town Hall, hosted on March 4, 2025.

About the Truth Initiative 

The Truth Initiative is a public health organization focused on creating a culture where young people reject smoking, vaping, and nicotine. Nicotine use among college students has tripled from 2017 to 2022. The Truth Initiative has funded over 200 grants to colleges and campuses to help them achieve a 100% smoke/vape free campus.  

Last reviewed: 1/27/2026