What's New Tobacco-Free
Campus
Paul Jensen, MD
 Regional Health Services of Howard County (RHSHC) will
implement a Tobacco-Free Campus Policy effective July 1, 2007. Beginning
on that day, no tobacco use will be permitted in the building or
on the grounds by employees, patients, or visitors. The policy
includes cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and all other tobacco products.
The policy will apply to Hospital Services, Community Health
Services,
and the Cresco and Lime Springs Medical Clinics, all of which are
departments of RHSHC.
The primary goal of RHSHC in implementing this new policy is to
encourage and promote healthy lifestyles for our patients and employees.
Research shows that wounds heal better and patients experience
shorter hospital stays when they are tobacco-free. According to
the American Lung Association, tobacco is the only legal product
that causes death and disability when used as intended. Tobacco
use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States,
causing an estimated 438,000 premature deaths annually, or one
in five deaths. Secondhand smoke exposure is a known risk factor
for lung cancer. Of the chemicals identified in secondhand smoke,
more than 50 are carcinogens (substances that cause cancer).
The decision to be a tobacco-free institution is not made without
serious consideration to our patients, visitors, and employees
who use tobacco. RHSHC has formed a Tobacco-Free Campus Committee
to help with the transition. Tobacco users, ex-tobacco users, and
non-tobacco users are all represented in the group. We believe
the challenge to become tobacco-free is well worth the benefits
to everyone, and that the move further demonstrates RHSHC’s
dedication to healthcare for life. We join more than 30 other Iowa
hospitals in banning tobacco products. We ask for your support
and hope you will agree that everyone deserves tobacco-free air.
Recommended resources in an effort to become tobacco-free include:
- Helping Services for Northeast Iowa at 563.387.1720, www.helpingservices.org
- Quitline Iowa at 1-866-U CAN TRY (1.866.822.6879), www.quitlineiowa.org
- Contacting your health care professional at the Cresco
Medical
Clinic at 563.547.2022, toll free 1.888.547.5474 or the
Lime Springs Medical Clinic at .563.566.2243, toll free 1-800-593-5463.
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