General Information
The University of Kansas Hospital and Medical Center Go Tobacco Free Sept. 1st
Jun 1, 2006
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The University of Kansas Hospital and the University of Kansas Medical Center have jointly announced that their campus will become tobacco-free starting Sept. 1, 2006.Currently, tobacco products are banned inside buildings on the shared campus, but the new regulation will extend the ban to outside areas as well.
"Studies, many conducted by our KU colleagues, have proven time and again that tobacco is a leading cause of death from many diseases, both for those who use tobacco products and those who are exposed to them on a second-hand basis. For many years, we have discussed the inconsistency of advocating a healthy lifestyle while continuing to allow the use of tobacco products on campus," said Barbara Atkinson, MD, executive vice chancellor of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
"We have a responsibility as health care leaders, providers and educators in the community and throughout the state. That’s why the hospital side and the university side of the campus will work closely together to make this plan successful, with the goal of seeing patients and staff realize health benefits from this," said Irene Cumming, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital.
Cumming said the tobacco-free policy also will apply to KU MedWest in Shawnee and the new Westwood Campus of the hospital, which will house the new outpatient cancer center next year.
The two entities are jointly working on new smoking cessation initiatives to offer to staff members, as well as an education campaign for faculty, staff, employees, students, contractors, volunteers, patients and guests at all locations.
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