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Gordon Memorial Health Services Adopts Tobacco-Free Campus Effective Thursday

Monday, December 29, 2014
KCSR-AM, Chadron

Many people vow to get healthier with their New Year’s resolution. Some choose healthier eating, being more physically active, or quitting tobacco.

Employees at the Gordon Memorial Health Services, clinic, and nursing home will have additional assistance with their resolution if that involves quitting tobacco. The hospital leadership has adopted a tobacco-free campus policy to include all forms of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vaping, effective January 1, 2015.

“We know the transition will not be easy but it is important for the hospital to model good health to the community as a healthcare facility,” said Shelley Beguin, hospital HR Director. “We are working diligently to provide tobacco-free support and resources to staff and visitors as we go tobacco-free,” she added.

The hospital has provided email communications and informational packets to employees with free resources like the Nebraska Tobacco-Free Quitline, 800-QUIT-NOW, the online quitting program, and texting services.

Additionally, the hospital is providing onsite assistance to those currently using tobacco products. Containers of mints and gum will be strategically placed around the hospital, clinic, and nursing home facilities and lozenges and nicotine gum will be available upon request for any employees and visitors.

Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the US. Last year, 2,500 Nebraskans died from smoking-attributable causes. That’s 48 people a week-nearly seven people each and every day.

Gordon Memorial Health Services is a member of the Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council and Beguin is on the council advisory committee. For additional information about worksite wellness contact Jessica Davies at 308-487-3600 ext. 101 or visit pphd.org/pwwc.html. For questions regarding Gordon Memorial Health Services, contact 308-282-0401.

http://www.chadrad.com/newsstory.cfm?story=36098

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Tobacco Free Nebraska • P.O. Box 95026 • Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5026 • Phone: (402) 471-2101