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Mountain Vista Medical Center Will Be Tobacco-free on Jan. 1, 2011
Kickoff planned to coincide with the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 18
November 17, 2010
In the United States, tobacco use is responsible for about one in five deaths annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In an effort to promote a healthy and healing environment, Mountain Vista Medical Center will be a tobacco-free campus, effective Jan. 1, 2011.
Employees, volunteers, physicians, contractors, visitors and patients will all be included in this new policy. If they are interested in quitting, they are encouraged to contact the Arizona Smokers’ Helpline, at 1-800-556-6222 or visit www.tobaccofreearizona.com, to talk to a personal quit coach about nicotine replacement therapy and how to get started on a tobacco-free future.
This year marks the 35th Annual Great American Smokeout, the day the American Cancer Society has set aside to encourage smokers to make a plan to quit or to even quit smoking for just one day. Health educators and hospital officials have been collaborating to develop cessation and education materials to help employees, volunteers, physicians, patients and visitors become aware of the free resources to help them be successful.
“Our tobacco-free policy is one more way Mountain Vista shows our dedication to providing exceptional patient care,” says Tony Marinello, CEO, Mountain Vista Medical Center. “As a former smoker, I know how difficult quitting can be, but I know how important it is not only for my own health but for those around me. This policy is intended to create a healthy environment for everyone that comes to receive care, visit a patient or work at Mountain Vista.”
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