In support of the American Lung Association’s (ALA) Great American Smoke Out, Sound Shore Medical Center (SSMC) has announced its expanded non-smoking policy, and its new status as a Smoke-free Campus.
At SSMC staff, patients and visitors will no longer have designated locations for smoking of tobacco products. Now, as a healthcare provider with a commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of all individuals, Sound Shore Medical Center is ensuring that secondhand smoke – even in an outdoor setting – does not pose a risk to the non-smoker. This expanded policy will minimize adverse health as well as reduce fire risks.
This new policy is supported by smoking cessation information, including locations for smoke-free seminars and classes for effected staff members. Patients admitted to SSMC, will have information available on smoking cessation. In addition, their primary care physicians may prescribe stop-smoking aids.
Smoking tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and annually accounts for nearly 400,000 deaths in the U.S. In addition, more than 50,000 die from secondhand smoke. Smoking can cause cancer, lung diseases, heart attacks, strokes and blood vessel diseases, among other conditions.
Commenting on Sound Shore Medical Center’s smoke-free campus policy, John R. Spicer, President and CEO said, “We are committed to the wellbeing of all individuals; therefore, it is appropriate that we move to a smoke-free campus.” He concluded, “While we recognize everyone’s choice to smoke, our policy is aimed at maintaining a healthy environment for working, healing and visiting.”
The American Lung Association has several programs that help smokers quit. Freedom from Smoking Online is a cessation program available at www.ffsonline.org. For smoking cessation counseling, individuals can contact 1.800.LUNG-USA. In addition, New York State offers www.smokefree.com and primary care physicians are another source for information on quitting.
For physician referrals, call MDs-LINE (914.367.5463) or visit www.ssmc.org to discover more about Sound Shore Medical Center’s Care. For Life. services.