As part of our mission, Samaritan Health Services is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of the communities we serve. On May 31, 2009, we proudly joined with health systems around the country and created a tobacco-free, healthy environment for patients, employees, physicians and visitors.
We are committed to improving the health of the people who work with us and those we serve each day. By making our campuses tobacco-free, and providing comprehensive tobacco cessation services, we are addressing the number one health risk today.
Questions and answers about our tobacco-free campuses
Why go tobacco-free?
As part of our mission, Samaritan Health Services is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of the communities it serves. We are proud to join with health systems around the country to create a tobacco-free, healthy environment for patients, employees, physicians and visitors.
We are committed to improving the health of the people who work with us and those we serve each day. By making our campuses tobacco-free, and providing comprehensive tobacco cessation services, we are addressing the number one health risk today.
Who is affected by the tobacco-free campuses policy?
Everyone (including employees, patients and visitors) is affected while at any Samaritan Health Services’ facility or on Samaritan Health Services’ grounds.
When was the policy implemented?
May 31, 2009.
What is prohibited in the policy?
Use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chew, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes and other products made primarily with tobacco.
Where can I go to use tobacco while I’m in one of the Samaritan facilities?
If you plan to use tobacco products, you must leave Samaritan property, including buildings, parking lots/structures and open spaces that are owned by Samaritan. However, we strongly encourage that you be respectful of our neighbors by taking your trash to a receptacle and keeping sidewalks and pathways open. If you need clarification on property boundaries, please consult the local Plant Engineering Manager or Administration.
Isn’t it a person’s right to use tobacco?
Tobacco is still a legal product for adults. Samaritan Health Services will not try to force anyone to quit using tobacco. The new policy reflects Samaritan’s commitment to an environment that is in the best interest of the health and well-being of our employees, patients and visitors.
Is smoking in one’s car allowed since it is personal property?
No, the policy includes all vehicles while parked on property owned by Samaritan Health Services.
Are there be any designated smoking areas for employees, patients and visitors on Samaritan Health Services campuses?
No. Providing a place to smoke or use tobacco products does not support our goal to create a healthier environment for patients, families, employees and visitors.
What will happen for patients and family members who may rely on tobacco to relieve stress?
Tobacco cessation resources will be available to assist patients and family members while they are on campus. Medications to help alleviate the stress of withdrawal will be readily available and affordable. Patients and visitors will also be informed about Samaritan’s tobacco-free policy prior to visiting any Samaritan Health Services facility.
How is the policy be enforced?
Most areas of the Samaritan Health Services campuses are presently tobacco-free and this policy is regularly enforced. Our standard procedures to monitor compliance and violations will be in effect within all facilities and across the campuses. We expect all employees, patients and visitors to comply with the policy.
We will encourage all Samaritan employees to assist in maintaining a tobacco-free environment by helping to ensure everyone is aware of the policy.
What role does Samaritan Health Services’ Public Safety Officers play in enforcement?
Public Safety Officers will continue to approach anyone observed using, or reported to be using tobacco in violation of SHS policy. Officers will courteously explain the SHS policy and offer information.
In the rare case where an employee may refuse to follow the policy, the Department of Public Safety will forward the employee’s name to a supervisor for follow up. If a visitor, patient or member of the public refuses to follow the policy, Public Safety may instruct that person to leave the property.
What tobacco-free services are available?
Local support is available through Samaritan Health Services classes, local community classes, as well as telephone and Web support.
Local support
Samaritan Health Services
Living tobacco-free
Based on national curriculum, this course will provide you with tools to help quit tobacco and develop a healthier lifestyle.
1-877-768-STOP or 1-877-768-7867
Albany Heartspring Wellness Center
A holistic approach to quitting tobacco
Acupuncture and group therapy
(541) 812-5656
Albany Parks and Recreation Department
Stop smoking with hypnosis
(541) 917-7777
The River Center
Empowered to Quit
www.empoweredtoquit.com
(541) 451-1271
Telephone and Web support
Oregon Quit Line
1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669
Español: 1-877-2NO-FUME or 1-877-266-3863
TTY: 1-877-777-6534
www.oregonquitline.org
American Cancer Society
1-877-YES-QUIT or 1-877-937-7848
www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute
1-877-44U-QUIT or 1-877-448-7848
Offers live chat help
www.smokefree.gov
American Lung Association
Freedom from smoking
www.lungusa.org
The River Center
Empowered to Quit
(541) 451-1271
Nicotine Anonymous
Based on a 12-step program
1-877-879-6422
www.nicotine-anonymous.org
QuitNet
Largest online network of quitters
www.quitnet.org
Ex
Become an “Ex” smoker
www.becomeanex.org
Pfizer
My Time to Quit
1-866-467-7723
www.mytimetoquit.com
What will happen to individuals who do not stop tobacco use?
Tobacco users are not required to stop smoking or using tobacco. But, once the policy goes into effect, its use will not be permitted anywhere on the campus. Similar to the regulations in the restaurant and air travel industries, tobacco users will need to find a way to manage their need for nicotine without using tobacco products on SHS campuses.
What are my options if I’m not planning to or ready to quit?
Tobacco users who are not planning to or ready to quit can use one of the over-the-counter medications to curb cravings during time on a Samaritan Health Services campus. Similar to the regulations in the restaurant and air travel industries, tobacco users will need to find a way to manage their need for nicotine without using tobacco products on SHS campuses.
How can I help?
If you see someone using tobacco:
Stop and respectfully remind them that Samaritan Health Services is a tobacco-free campus. Most people are willing to stop.
Direct them to where they can get a Support Pack to help them manage. (Any SHS outpatient pharmacy, urgent care, emergency department or the information desk.)
If you use tobacco:
Try using nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, patches, nasal spray, inhalers or lozenges to help cope with any withdrawal symptoms while on campus.
Please don't litter. Cigarette butts contain dangerous chemicals and make a mess for others to clean up.
Considering quitting? Call 1-800-QUITNOW or 1 -877-768-STOP.
Quick tips to help you quit successfully
Quitting tobacco is a great way to work toward a better you. Here are some quick and easy tips to help you quit:
- Chew sugarless gum
- Find some support
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Take a multi-vitamin
- Eat healthy snacks
- Go for a walk
- Get more sleep
- Drink water
- Do some deep breathing
- Have a cup of tea
- Change your routine
The decision for tobacco users to quit is big — one that takes courage, commitment and, most of all, support.
We know quitting is difficult. We can help.
For help quitting now, call 1-877-768-STOP or 1-800-QUITNOW.
Tips to help others quit successfully
You can be a big help to the people you care about by encouraging and supporting them as they make sometimes difficult changes in their lives. It may call for a little bit of sacrifice on your part, but the decision for tobacco users to quit is big and requires your support.
Here are some ways you can help:
- Help out with daily responsibilities to lessen the stress
- Keep his or her mind off of tobacco by doing things together, such as going to the movies or taking a walk
- If you use tobacco yourself, please don’t use around someone who wants to quit or encourage them to start again
- Understand that he or she will be irritable as they go through nicotine withdrawal
- Be patient
- Learn relaxation techniques together
Surgeon General’s Report
To ask a question or share your feedback about the initiative, contact us at feedback@samhealth.org or call 1-800-863-5241.