Western Nevada College Fallon planted pinwheels at both Getto and Pinon Halls to empower students and staff in seizing control against tobacco.
Western Nevada College staff placed 1,300 red pinwheels throughout the Fallon campus grounds to signify the 1,300 individuals who die each day of tobacco-related illnesses.
The Fallon campus — along with the other WNC campuses in honor of last week’s nationwide “Kick Butts Day” — is moving toward becoming a smoke-free environment. Currently tobacco use is permitted only in designated areas on campus.
In addition to the pinwheels, Melanie Nuckolls, Associated Students of Western Nevada representative, distributed scavenger hunt forms to students with questions regarding facts associated with tobacco use. Students who completed the forms were entered into a drawing for prizes including a free three-credit class for the upcoming fall semester.
“I think it is important that the campus become smoke-free for a healthier environment,” Nuckolls said. “I personally don’t enjoy having to walk through smoke to get to my classes.”
The event was sponsored through a partnership with the Churchill Community Coalition, the American Heart Association Anchor Partnerships Program, and Carson City Health and Human Services.
Students and faculty also enjoyed pizzas from the Pizza Barn while learning about heart health, the effects of tobacco use and smoking cessation.