Many healthcare facilities throughout the country have already made the decision to become smoke free. Heritage Valley Health System (HVHS) wants to make our community a healthier environment for all and reduce the risk of heart, lung and other diseases associated with smoking.
Smoking Facts:
  • Leading preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S.
  • Leading cause of strokes and heart disease
  • Major cause of hospital admission
  • Number one cause of emphysema and cancer
  • Causes lung cancer

The effects on inpatients that smoke includes:

  • Slows wound healing, both surgical and traumatic
  • Longer hospital stays

Effects of second-hand smoke:

  • Increases the risk of heart disease in non-smokers
  • Cause of 7,500 to 15,000 hospital stays a year
  • Responsible for 3,000 lung cancer deaths a year

If you wish to stop smoking, there are several resources available:
PA Free Quitline at
1-877-724-1090
or
1-800-QUITNOW
1-800-807-0751 (for UPMC members)

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is HVHS becoming a smoke-free campus?  
A. To improve the health and well-being of all people in the communities we serve. Reducing use of smoking products is part of Heritage Valley Health System’ s mission as a healthcare institution  
Q. Where can I smoke?  
A. Nowhere on any HVHS property. Heritage Valley Health System’s smoke free environment includes all buildings (owned and leased, inside and out), all properties and all vehicles. Buildings include, but are not limited to, the two hospitals, all satellite sites and all physician practices. The environment includes the parking garages and parking lots. We want to provide a clean and safe environment for all people, patients and visitors. You may choose to leave the property if you desire to smoke.  
Q. When will Heritage Valley Health System become smoke free?
A. The smoke-free environment policy will be implemented by January 15, 2007.  

OTHER RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
American Heart Association
American Lung Association
Coalition for a Tobacco Free PA 		Points to Ponder:
  • Tobacco use increases overall healthcare costs
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified second-hand smoke as the most toxic substance known to cause cancer in humans
  • Tobacco use and second-hand smoke worsen symptoms of asthma, allergies and bronchitis