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Johnston Memorial, a Tobacco-Free Hospital
Following the lead of other Triangle-area hospitals, Johnston Memorial Hospital announced it will become a tobacco-free campus by the beginning of 2008. Tobacco use of all types will be banned both indoors and outdoors on all JMH properties, which includes the Johnston Medical Mall located across the street from the hospital.
The decision to become tobacco-free was voted on and unanimously approved by the hospital’s Board of Commissioners last January.
The tobacco-free initiative is part of a nation-wide trend for hospitals working to protect their patients, visitors and employees from the ravages of lung cancer and other tobacco-related illnesses. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Currently, more people in the United States die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Kevin Rogols, president and CEO of Johnston Memorial Hospital believes that it’s only a matter of time before all hospitals become smoke-free.
“To allow smoking on the JMH campus goes against our mission to improve the health of community residents,” he said.
Jim Perpich, JMH’s director of Marketing and Community Relations, along with other hospital managers and employees, is a member of the hospital’s Tobacco-Free Steering Committee.
“I’ve talked to employees in the hallways and at various meetings and learned that the tobacco-free policy will act as a catalyst for some to finally quit smoking for good,” he said. “And the hospital’s plans to provide smoking cessation classes will help other employees who smoke, even more.”
The hospital offers smoking cessation education and classes through its HealthQuest Wellness Center (see below).
The Tobacco-Free Steering Committee is represented by smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers and is currently working to formulate hospital policy and communication strategy to roll-out the tobacco-free initiative.
Smoking Cessation Classes at HealthQuest Wellness Center
For more information, call 919-938-7581
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