Kiowa District Hospital implements tobacco-free campus policy
Kiowa District Hospital, Kiowa, Kan., is going tobacco-free on January 1, 2010. As of that date, no tobacco use of any kind will be permitted – inside or outside – on hospital property. This initiative also will include the elimination of designated areas outside Kiowa District Hospital where employees, patients, and visitors currently use tobacco products.
Kiowa District Hospital has joined hospitals across Kansas in an effort to become tobacco-free. As a health care organization, they are committed to the health and safety of their employees and patients. They believe they have a responsibility to take a leadership role on this major health issue, and allowing people to use tobacco products defeats this purpose.
Tobacco is the cause of death for 3,800 Kansans every year and is the root cause of many illnesses and lost productivity. Tobacco use in and around hospitals poses health and safety risks for patients, employees, and visitors.
Kiowa District Hospital’s decision to go tobacco-free is not an attempt to “force” anyone to quit using tobacco products. Rather, the tobacco-free initiative is a concrete way to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to healthy living.
