WellStar to Become Tobacco-Free

will become a tobacco-free environment effective Jan. 1.

After this date, no tobacco use of any kind will be permitted anywhere on WellStar property. This new policy includes the elimination of all designated smoking areas at WellStar facilities.

“WellStar is joining hospitals across the United States in an effort to become 100 percent tobacco free,” Reynold J. Jennings, president and chief executive officer of WellStar, said in a press release. “As healthcare providers, we know the detrimental effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke. We believe we must set an example for our community.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco remains the No. 1 preventable cause of death and disability in the world. WellStar believes that eliminating tobacco use is a demonstration of its commitment to healthy living.

Cigarette smoking accounts for nearly one of every five deaths each year in the United States and increases the likelihood of coronary heart disease by two to four times, stroke by two to four times, men developing lung cancer by 23 times and women by 13 times, and dying from chronic obstructive lung diseases by 12 to 13 times.

WellStar team members who use tobacco products are being provided resources such as nicotine replacement therapy, cessation classes, behavior modification counseling and a QUIT phone line to help them kick the habit.

New signage is being posted at all facilities, and all smoking locations will be eliminated by the end of the year. In addition, processes to assist patients who smoke have been put in place to help alleviate nicotine withdrawal.

Residents of the WellStar hospice, nursing home and assisted-living facility are excluded from this policy.