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Frequently Asked Questions FROM THE PUBLIC

Saint Francis Hospital became a tobacco-free campus on September 1, 2002, to promote and protect the health of our employees, patients, and visitors.

How dangerous is tobacco use? On average, 11 West Virginians die each day from smoking, and tobacco is the cause of more than one of every five deaths in the state and is the root cause of many illnesses and lost productivity. The 2006 U.S. Surgeon General report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, provides indisputable scientific evidence that secondhand smoke causes premature death and serious disease in nonsmokers. It is a serious health hazard and there is no risk-free level of exposure. Tobacco use in and around hospitals poses health and safety risks for patients, employees and visitors.

Why can’t individuals use tobacco products outside the hospital? Second-hand smoke has been proven hazardous to people’s health. As healthcare providers, hospitals must provide an overall healthy environment to patients and visitors, inside and outside. Providing a tobacco-free environment also supports our mission to promote good health among our employees, patients, visitors and our community.

Do employees, patients and visitors have to quit using tobacco? No. Saint Francis Hospital is not forcing anyone to quit. This policy means individuals can’t use tobacco products on hospital property. For those who are quitting tobacco use, a tobacco-free environment will help support their efforts.

What about individual rights? We want to maintain a healthy environment for patients and visitors, as well as for employees. For this reason, we ask that individuals refrain from using tobacco products on this campus.

What is Saint Francis Hospital doing to help employees who use tobacco products? We are offering Freedom From Smoking® clinics to employees as well as opening the clinics to the public.  Individuals are encouraged to discuss medication options with their physicians to assist with their quit attempt.

How do patients who use tobacco products seek help? Upon hospital admission, patients are asked by hospital staff if they use tobacco products. This will be forwarded to their physicians who can make arrangements to provide them with appropriate resources and/or medications.

Hover over this image to see a few tips for quitting...

Resources for Tobacco Cessation