Events Planned to Celebrate Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

Good Samaritan Hospital is not just “banning” smoking on Independence Day, July 4. The hospital also is also providing significant opportunities and support between February 14 and July 4 for staff and physicians to quit tobacco use.

Employees, physicians, patients and visitors will begin seeing signage changes around the campus that will raise awareness of the no smoking or tobacco use policies. The visitor’s desk will have additional notices for visitors and every patient admission packet starting later this month will have information on the tobacco use ban.

For employees and physicians, Good Samaritan is scheduling a series of momentum-building events that are being designed to be fun, educational and supportive for smokers and non-smokers alike. Following is a tentative schedule:

Wednesday, February 14 – “Let’s Clear the Air” kick-off celebration, Good Samaritan Auditorium, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. The event will include snacks, drinks, and information on tobacco substitutes, how to support a tobacco user that is quitting, weight control during smoking cessation, and other useful tools for both smokers and non-smokers.

Wednesday, March 14 – “The Great Good Sam Smoke Out.” Smokers and tobacco users will be asked to go 24 hours without using tobacco.

Friday, April 13 – Smoking Substitute Day. All employees and visitors can get smoking/tobacco substitutes such as gum, cinnamon sticks, peppermint candies, and lollypops.

Monday, May 14 – “Adopt a Smoker Day.” This program will create a buddy system to help support those who are quitting tobacco.

Thursday, June 14 – “Good Sam’s Declaration of Independence from Tobacco Day.” Sign the hospital’s Declaration of Independence not to smoke or use tobacco after July 4.

Tuesday, July 3 – “Smoke Out Cook Out.” This lunchtime cookout event will celebrate the start of the policy.

Good Sam looks forward to supporting all those that want to kick the tobacco habit.

PUT IT OUT ROCKLAND

Advance registration is necessary.
Registration will be conducted on February 14, 2007 at Good Samaritan Hospital

Maryanne Ferrara, M.S.
Rockland County Dept. of Health
Public Health Education Specialist
Put It Out Rockland Program Coordinator
Phone: 845-364-2651
Email: ferraram@co.rockland.ny.us