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A Breath of Fresh Air at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital

HOUSTON -   Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital promises a breath of fresh air as administrators today announced that the campus will become a tobacco-free environment beginning August 1.

In keeping with the hospital’s mission to provide a healthy environment for employees, patients and visitors, tobacco use of any kind will be prohibited inside and outside Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital.  This will include areas previously dedicated for employee or guest smoking.  Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital is currently offering smoking cessation seminars as well as smoking cessation aids, such as nicotine patches and gum for program participating employees.

“This action is a part of the hospital's commitment to provide a safe and healthy environment for patients and visitors,” said David Huffstutler, chief executive officer, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital.  “Furthermore, we feel it is our responsibility and duty as healthcare providers to be role models for the community in eliminating tobacco use in the workplace.” 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, causing more than 440,000 deaths each year and resulting in an annual cost of more than $75 billion in direct medical costs. Environmental Tobacco Smoke contains at least 250 chemicals known to be toxic or cause cancer. Unfortunately, the general public’s exposure to secondhand smoke is much higher than most people realize.

Support for the Partnership for a Tobacco Free environment includes highly respected organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Hospital Association and the American Lung Association. The initiative is congruent with the national health goal issued by the U.S. Surgeon General to cut adult smoking to 12 percent by the year 2010.