BHS to Become Tobacco Free

April 8, 2008 -- (BUTLER, Pa) -- Butler Health System (BHS) is strengthening its leadership position in health care and the community by snuffing out the use of tobacco products on its property.

On September 2, 2008 all BHS campuses, sites and properties will become tobacco-free. This new policy will apply to all locations whether owned or leased by BHS, including all parking areas. This will apply to anyone on these sites, including all patients, visitors, employees, medical staff, volunteers and students.  

“It is clear that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco products and cigarette smoke,” said BHS President and CEO Ken DeFurio. “As a health leader in the community, we are obligated to create a healthier, tobacco-free environment for everyone who works at or visits BHS. It is simply the right thing to do.”

Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Further, an estimated 438,000 Americans die each year as a result of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. For each person who dies from a smoking-related disease, about 20 more are living with an illness stemming from smoking. The estimated costs of smoking-related medical expenses and loss of productivity exceed $167 billion annually, according to the CDC.

BHS announces the new policy five months before it takes effect to begin an ongoing public education campaign and to give individuals time to prepare for the change. BHS will provide resources to help employees who use tobacco, including smoking cessation classes, online courses and coaching sessions.

“This is a lifestyle issue we can address that will help our employees, and our community, live longer, healthier, happier lives,” said BHS Health Coach Fred Como. “It is one more step forward in providing non-smokers protection from second-hand smoke.”

Under the current BHS policy, smoking is not allowed indoors, but there are designated smoking areas on BMH premises. Those areas will be eliminated when the new policy takes effect. Many patients and visitors who walk through these areas have asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia or other respiratory problems or bring their children with them. Second-hand smoke is a contributing factor to these conditions.