Tobacco-Free Initiative

May 31, 2006

All faculty, staff, employees, students and volunteers:

In keeping with our mission to provide a healthy environment for our employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kansas Medical Center, The University of Kansas Hospital,Medical Administrative Services of KU and Kansas University Physicians, Inc. (KUPI) will become entirely tobacco-free on September 1, 2006. Beginning that day, the use of tobacco products will be prohibited inside and outside anywhere considered to be a part of our campus property. Later communications will clearly identify the property affected by the new policy and clarify other policies impacted by this initiative. This policy will apply to all faculty, staff, employees, students, contractors, volunteers, patients and guests at all locations.

One of the many key reasons for our decision is our role as health care leaders, providers and educators in the community and throughout the state. 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. These reasons all bolster the need for our decision to become tobacco-free.

This initiative has been under discussion for years, and nearly every hospital in the Kansas City area will take this step by September 1, 2006.

We are aware of the impact this policy will have upon tobacco users and understand this may be uncomfortable for many. A campus-wide group is determining how to address these concerns in a manner that is educational, supportive and non-confrontational. The new policy does not require employees or staff to stop using tobacco altogether. However, the university, hospital, MAS and KUPI are preparing cessation programs for those who wish to participate.

You will receive additional updates throughout the coming months. The university and hospital are establishing Web sites that will provide definitions of tobacco-related terms, policy details, frequently asked questions and links to other sites with helpful information.

We understand that this will be a time of transition for our entire campus community, but we are confident that this is the appropriate decision for all of us.

Barbara Atkinson, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor
University of Kansas Medical Center

Irene Cumming
President and Chief Executive Officer
The University of Kansas Hospital