Athens hospital system goes tobacco-free Thursday, Nov. 19

In order to protect patients, visitors and associates from the effects of tobacco use, all campuses of the O'Bleness Health System will become tobacco free beginning Monday, Nov. 16. The week also coincides with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, which is Thursday, Nov. 19.

The decision to become tobacco-free was recommended by O'Bleness' medical staff and approved by O'Bleness' board of directors early in 2009, a news release from the hospital reported.

By becoming tobacco-free, the releases said, the Health System is promoting healthy lifestyles as well as protecting all those who come to Health System campuses, all of which will be affected by the new ban. All forms of tobacco use will be prohibited in buildings, parking lots, vehicles, and on any system-owned or -leased property. O'Bleness associates will not be allowed to use tobacco on neighboring properties or to enter buildings with an odor of smoke on themselves or their clothing. Existing designated outdoor smoking areas will be eliminated.

To assist with the transition to a tobacco-free campus, O'Bleness associates and patients have been and will continue to be offered tobacco-cessation resources.

O'Bleness' tobacco-free campus task force is chaired by James R. Gaskell, MD, Athens County health commissioner, and includes representatives of the O'Bleness board, administration, employees, Local 1252 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, medical staff and community.

Gaskell pointed out that the health consequences of tobacco use have been well documented. "Some health problems associated with tobacco use include cardiovascular disease, emphysema and lung cancer, and many other types of cancer," Gaskell said in the news release. "In order to promote a healthy lifestyle and protect patients, employees and visitors, many hospitals in the United States have adopted tobacco-free campus policies."

The U.S. Surgeon General reported in 2006 that there is no risk-free level of exposure to second-hand smoke. More than 3,000 nonsmokers die annually from lung cancer. In addition, higher death rates from cardiovascular disease are reported for nonsmokers due to second-hand smoke exposure, according to the news release.

In our region, all hospitals within 50 miles of Athens and in Columbus have tobacco-free campuses. A similar goal has been accomplished by more than 150 member hospitals of the Ohio Hospital Association "“ representing 80 percent of the membership.

Signs will be posted at entrances to the O'Bleness Medical Park as well as at other Health System campuses advising that all forms of tobacco use must be discontinued before entering the campuses. Parking lots, vehicles and all grounds of the Health System will be tobacco-free.