Phelps County Regional Medical Center (PCRMC) is now a smoke/tobacco free campus. This new policy came into effect on November 17, 2005. The target date was chosen to coincide with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, a national event designed to create awareness of smoking hazards and to encourage people to quit.

PCRMC has maintained a smoke free environment within hospital buildings for several years, but employees, visitors and patients are currently permitted to smoke in designated outdoor areas. The new policy prohibits tobacco use in all PCRMC buildings, properties, parking lots and company vehicles.

According to PCRMC's purpose statement, this change is prompted by a desire to fulfill the hospital's commitment to the promotion of health. The new policy was developed to create a safer hospital environment and promote healthier habits.

Smoking reduces life expectancy an average of nearly 14 years by way of lung cancer, heart disease and other illnesses, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Educational Services department at PCRMC wants to make the transition easier for those wanting to quit, by providing:

• numerous tobacco cessation classes throughout the year;
• smoking and quitting information;
• nicotine replacements;
• access to quit lines and on-line support.

For more information, please call Educational Services at (573) 458-7695.

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