PROVIDENCE – Nine institutions that are part of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island announced last week that they will make their campuses tobacco-free effective Nov. 20, the date of the Great American Smokeout.
Landmark Medical Center, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, The Miriam Hospital, Newport Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, Roger Williams Medical Center, St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island, South County Hospital and The Westerly Hospital are all adopting a policy that bans the use of tobacco on hospital property.
The new policy aims to enhance the safe, clean, healthy environment expected from patients, staff and visitors, the association said in a news release.
“As health care organizations, hospitals have a responsibility to take a leadership role in this important issue,” said Dr. Kathleen C. Hittner, chair of the association’s board of trustees and president and CEO of Miriam. “This policy will further the hospital mission of providing quality patient care in a healthy and safe environment.”
Separately, Butler Hospital, which is not a member of HARI, went smoke-free on May 1. A spokeswoman for Women & Infants Hospital said that institution would be making its campus smoke-free at the same time as the HARI members. A spokesman for Kent Hospital said that hospital is reviewing its policies.
Under Rhode Island law, smoking in public buildings and in workplaces is already forbidden. However, all hospitals except for Butler now provide some shelters or other places where people can smoke.
The HARI members’ effort is being supported by the American Cancer Society, which has pledged $2,000 to help pay for new signs, and by Jenn Lee Design, which is providing graphic design support.
“The American Cancer Society is pleased to help support this important initiative,” said Jim Beardsworth, state director of communications for the society. “Smoking contributes to 30 percent of all cancer deaths and nearly 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. We must actively and aggressively promote tobacco-free environments. This new policy will heighten awareness and further promote education on the risks of tobacco use.”
Dr. David R. Gifford, the state health director, also praised the initiative, calling it an “important public health policy.” He also noted that “there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” and that “hospitals in Rhode Island serve as community leaders in promoting health and wellness.”
The Hospital Association is a statewide organization that assists member hospitals through advocacy, representation, education and services. Its members include the Lifespan health system as well as independent hospitals across the state. For more information, go to www.hari.org.
