Smoking No Longer Permitted Anywhere on Hospital Property
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 7,
2011
Contact: Jodie Grady, Marketing Manager
978-368-3902
jodie.grady@umassmemorial.org
CLINTON - Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor
for developing heart disease and it is the leading preventable cause of death in
the United States according the American Heart Association. That is why Clinton
Hospital is celebrating February, American Heart Month, by becoming a 100
percent tobacco-free campus as of Monday, February 14 - Valentines Day.
"Clinton Hospital's decision to implement a tobacco-free policy rounds out
the transition of all UMass Memorial Health Care member hospitals to
tobacco-free environments," said Sheila Daly, president and CEO of Clinton
Hospital. "We felt the time was right to join the Massachusetts Hospital
Association as well as the majority of hospitals across the state and the
country that have been going smoke free. We're hoping this move will inspire
many of our community members to stop smoking along with us."
Cigarette smoking has not been allowed inside Clinton Hospital buildings for
quite some time and for the health and safety of the hospital's patients, staff
members and community, the use of all tobacco products will no longer be
permitted anywhere on the Clinton Hospital campus, including sidewalks, parking
lots and inside of cars as of February 14.
"Smoking cessation is without a doubt, the best thing you can do to lower
your risk of developing a number of diseases, most notably heart and lung
disease, and stroke," explained Rishi Vohora, DO, director of Cardiovascular
Services at Clinton Hospital. "The body has a remarkable ability to repair
itself, even after years of smoking. So until a disease has been diagnosed,
never buy into the belief that 'It's too late for me.' Much of the damage caused
to the heart and lungs by smoking is reversible over time."
Clinton Hospital is encouraging its staff and community members to take
advantage of the Quit to Win smoking cessation support group offered weekly at
Clinton Hospital through Fallon Community Health Plan (FCHP). These meetings are
open to the public and participants do not need to be FCHP subscribers to join.
Meetings are held every Monday from 6:30 to 8 pm in conference room B at Clinton
Hospital, 201 Highland Street, Clinton. Call 888-807-2908 to register.