Smoke-Free Zones @ Southcoast

Southcoast has created expanded Smoke Free Zones across all Southcoast facilities (effective October 1, 2008).

Smoking will be limited to distinct locations at our hospitals — two each at Charlton and St. Luke's and one at Tobey.

All locations will be clearly marked and will have shelter in case of inclement weather.

Any employee, patient or visitor smoking in a non-designated area will be asked to move to the approved areas. Maps will be available at all public exits to show people how to get to the nearest smoking area.

www.southcoast.org/breathebetter/

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Southcoast Hospitals launches smoke-free initiative

Southcoast has launched a new initiative to reduce smoking on its hospital campuses and to continue to raise public awareness of the health risks associated with smoking and secondhand smoke.

The campaign, called "Breathe Better," launches October 1 and is part of an ongoing effort to reduce smoking on campus and to educate employees and the public about the health benefits of quitting or reducing smoking.

"It is very important that Southcoast take a leadership role by demonstrating our dedication to the health and safety of our employees, patients and visitors," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group.

Over the past six months, the issue of smoking has been discussed across Southcoast through focus groups, open forums, staff and leadership meetings.

Southcoast's new healthy initiative, "Breathe Better," will create Smoke Free Zones across all Southcoast facilities as of October 1. Smoking will be limited to distinct locations at our hospitals — two each at Charlton and St. Luke's and one at Tobey.

www.southcoast.org/breathebetter/

We'll help you stop smoking

As a health care provider, Southcoast understands that it can be difficult to quit smoking.

That's why Southcoast offers regular four-week stop-smoking programs at its three hospital campuses and invites the public to attend.

Costs for classes are $15.

Classes begin:

• Thursday, October 9, at Tobey Hospital.
• Tuesday, October 14, at St. Luke's Hospital.
• Monday, October 20, at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Learn more or register for a class.

www.southcoast.org/breathebetter/quitting.html

We are also providing you with a wealth of local and online resources to help you quit smoking — from QuitWorks to local smoking cessation classes to online resources with tips and support.

The creation of our Smoke-Free Zones is meant to reinforce Southcoast's mission to care for and improve the health of the individuals and communities we serve.

We encourage patients and visitors to take advantage of smoking cessation programs offered in the community.

www.southcoast.org/breathebetter/resources.html