WHC will not allow tobacco use on campus starting Jan.1
Woodland, CA, December 17, 2010 – Woodland Healthcare will become a totally tobacco-free campus on January 1, 2011. The new policy will affect all patients, visitors, medical staff members, employees, volunteers and vendors.
“As a primary healthcare provider dedicated to improving the health of our patients, this tobacco-free initiative shows our commitment to protect the health and well-being of the community we serve,” said Woodland Healthcare President Kevin Vaziri. “We’re looking forward to creating a healthier environment on our campus.”
The tobacco-free initiative means no tobacco use of any kind will be permitted inside hospital and clinic buildings, in parking lots or anywhere on the grounds of Woodland Healthcare. Signs will be posted around the property as of January 1, 2011. Information will be sent to physicians and other health care providers, asking that they tell their patients about the tobacco-free policy.
To support the initiative, Woodland Healthcare is offering its smoking cessation program, “No Ifs, Ands or Butts™” to community members and will reimburse registration fees for employees who complete the program. In addition, nicotine replacement therapy is available to patients and employees.
The health risks of tobacco use include cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other severe health problems. Nearly 2,000 hospitals nationwide have already gone tobacco-free.
