As part of its ongoing mission to improve the health of the community, Holland Hospital will become a completely tobacco free campus beginning July 1, 2015. The use of tobacco in any form, as well as e-cigarette and vapor products will not be allowed on hospital property including buildings, grounds, and parking lots at the main campus and at the hospital’s off-site locations. The new policy applies to all employees, patients, volunteers and visitors.
“By becoming completely tobacco-free, we are creating a healthier environment for everyone at Holland Hospital and aligning the hospital with the expectations of our accrediting agency, DNV.” states Mark Pawlak, Vice President of Ancillary Services and Quality, “This is a natural progression in the steps we have already taken to reduce tobacco use on our campus. We are committed to continually improving the excellent quality of care we provide and becoming tobacco free dovetails with our mission perfectly.”
Research continues to show the detrimental effects of smoking and second-hand smoke on a person’s health. Cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year, with more than 41,000 of these deaths from exposure to secondhand smoke, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The Hospital will use the next two months to inform the public, patients and visitors, about the new tobacco free policy. Campus signage will be updated prior to July 1. Holland Hospital will also continue to offer smoking cessation through the Center for Good Health and individual health coaches.