Lanier Health Services - Press Releases
News Release
Contact: Cindy Brooks
Address: 4800 48th Street
Phone: 334-756-1402
Lanier Health Services
Fax: 334-756-6698
Public Relations
Valley, AL 36854
January 13, 2011
LANIER HEALTH SERVICES
COMMENDED ON SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS
The Coalition for a tobacco-Free Alabama has recognized Lanier Health Services for providing a healthy tobacco-free workplace and for their efforts in promoting a healthy environment throughout their community.
Kathryn Molnar, Grassroots Manager for the Coalition, recently visited Lanier Health to present a certificate recognizing Lanier for their efforts and stated, “In the United States, 45 percent of the hospitals have adopted tobacco-free campus policies, and I am proud to say that Lanier Health is among the group of 48 hospitals across the state of Alabama that has done so”. Molnar continued by saying, “Smoke-free environments are good for business and can enhance a hospital’s bottom line”.
Doug Dewberry, CEO at Lanier Health, stated “Lanier voluntarily converted to a smoke-free campus on January 1, 2009 in an effort to protect employees, patients and visitors from the serious health risks of smoke exposure. We would like to thank the Coalition for recognizing Lanier Health Services as an advocate for this tobacco-free initiative.”
Smoking is a health and safety hazard, both to the tobacco user and nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS). Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death, and secondhand smoke exposure is the third leading cause in the United States. Smokers have twice the risk of wound infections and a slower healing process. Smoke-free hospital environments are “good for health” and eliminate the risks of tobacco-related heart disease and stroke, many types of cancer, emphysema, and other diseases.
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