HOW TO GIVE | NEWS CENTER | FAITH AT ALEGENT
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Alegent Health's Tobacco-free Workplace Policy
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Alegent Health Tobacco-Free Policy
Key Messages:
Effective November 16, 2006, smoking and all other tobacco use was
prohibited in all Alegent Health buildings, all Alegent Health owned properties,
including company vehicles and on the property/grounds of Alegent Health.
Tobacco is the number one cause of preventable death in the nation and as a
healthcare leader in the community feels it is our ethical duty to no longer
allow harmful behaviors like tobacco-use to take place on our properties.
As it strives to achieve world-class distinction, Alegent Health has pledged
to be a leader in the community. This new policy will protect patients,
employees and visitors from the adverse effects of secondhand smoke.
Quick Facts:
The first day of the Alegent Health Tobacco-Free Policy was the same day as the Great American
Smokeout.
Alegent Health, together with Methodist Health System, made the tobacco-free
pledge on November 17, 2005 for the health and wellness of patients, visitors,
employees and physicians.
Alegent Health employees trying to stop using tobacco
products are offered assistance with tobacco cessation classes and other resources available to quit tobacco
use.
Patients and visitors found using tobacco products on Alegent
Health property will be provided information outlining the Tobacco Free for
Health Policy and a list of tobacco cessation clasess and educational
opportunities.
Managers, security and employees are responsible for maintaining adherence
to the Tobacco-Free policy.
All employees will receive training on the new policy
and how to address any issues that might arise.
If employees continue to use tobacco products on Alegent Health
property after November 16, they will be reminded of the policy. Subsequent
violations will be subject to corrective action under Alegent Health's Personal
Performance Improvement Process, which could ultimately result in discharge.
Alegent Health will continue to hire smokers; however,
we will notify all applicants of our tobacco-free policy.
The public can also take advantage of the 'I Can Group
Support Program.' This five week tobacco cessation program is designed to assist people to
be tobacco-free. Smokers who are prepared or just thinking about quitting tobacco
are encouraged to attend a meeting. The cost is $100.Click here to search for I Can classes
or call 1-800-Alegent (1-800-253-4368).
'Quit AidTM' is another tobacco cessation program that
involves individually tailored counseling at $26.50 per session.
Medicare patients are eligible for reimbursement for this program. For
more information about Quit AidTprogram, call
Sandy Barta,
RN, MS at (402)398-6890.
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