University, community college systems get anti-tobacco grant

The University System of New Hampshire and the community college system are sharing a $180,000 grant to help reduce tobacco use on campus.

The systems include the University of New Hampshire; Plymouth State University; Keene State College; Granite State College; Great Bay, Lakes Region, Manchester, Nashua, River Valley and White Mountains Community Colleges and the New Hampshire Technical Institute.

UNH Health Services educator Melissa Garvey said the average use of cigarettes on campus is about 23 percent and about 8 percent for tobacco, and officials are trying to bring the rates down.