University of California, Irvine Medical Center Goes Smoke-free

Orange, Calif., Oct. 31, 2006 -- The University of California, Irvine Medical Center will be smoke-free for all employees, patients and visitors beginning Nov. 16, which is also the 30^th anniversary of the American Cancer Society’s “Great American Smokeout.”  The new smoking ban applies to all medical center-owned property, inside buildings and outdoors.

“We recognize the dangers and health risks of smoking, and believe an entirely smoke-free campus provides full protection for our employees and visitors,” said Maureen Zehntner, interim chief executive officer. “Prohibiting smoking on campus and providing support to those who wish to quit is a way UC Irvine Medical Center can directly affect the health of our community.”

The hazards of secondhand smoke are well documented, most recently in a report released last June by the Surgeon General of the United States.  (Entire report is available at www.surgeongeneral.gov.)  UC Irvine Medical Center joins a growing number of hospitals that have eliminated smoking on their campuses, as well as several beaches and public areas in California.

Realizing that a smoke-free environment may present some initial problems for those who smoke, the medical center is offering assistance and resources. Free nicotine gum will be offered to visitors who smoke as well as information on smoking-cessation classes and other resources.  Pagers also will be available to allow visitors to go off site to smoke but still remain in contact with hospitalized family members. 

Support also is available to those employees who wish to give up smoking or may find it challenging to adhere to the smoke-free policy.  A “Great American Smokeout” educational event is planned for faculty and staff Nov. 16 at the medical center.

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Media contact: 
Susan Mancia
714-456-3640
pager 714-506-0472
smancia@uci.edu