The Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County would like to recognize NorthShore Health Centers for their adoption of a smoke free policy. NorthShore Health Centers is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. The following smoking policy that has been adopted shall apply to all employees, visitors, and patients of NorthShore Health Centers.
Tobacco is a known carcinogen and a major health problem. Smoking kills more people in Indiana than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, murders, illegal drugs and suicides combined. Cigarette smoke is the number one preventable cause of premature death in Indiana. The policy that NorthShore Health Centers has adopted also includes e-cigarettes and vaping devices. A growing number of studies have shown that e-cigarettes are not a safe alternative. In December 2016, the U.S Surgeon General issued a ground breaking report stating that e-cigarette aerosol is not safe and that e-cigarette use is strongly associated with the use of other tobacco products among youth and young adults. The U.S. Surgeon General has concluded that e-cigarettes can expose users to several potentially harmful chemicals, including nicotine, carbonyl compounds and volatile organic compounds. More and more healthcare facilities are adopting smokefree campus policies, reinforcing their mission to promoting and protecting health. Healthcare professionals are an important component of creating a safe and healthy workplace. Not only does implementing a smokefree policy promote a healthcare facility’s health mission, but it also: increases work productivity, lowers maintenance costs, and aids in community cessation efforts.
We applaud NorthShore Health Centers for taking the next step toward a healthier future.
For more information, please contact Ryan Singh at 219-464-6722 or ryan.singh@valpo.edu.
