Regional Medical Center of Acadiana to become a tobacco-free campus

Lafayette, LA, Jan. 11, 2010—In its ongoing commitment to providing the best medical care to the community, The Regional Medical Center of Acadiana recently announced that it will become a tobacco-free campus effective February 12. Joining this campus effort are Cardiovascular Institute of South, Hamilton Medical Group and Fresenius Medical Care. 

“We have a higher responsibility to provide a tobacco-free environment, where patients, visitors, physicians, employees and volunteers are free from the hazards associated with secondhand smoke.  Tobacco use of any kind on our campus undermines our efforts to create a safe and healthy environment,” states Vicki Briggs, Chief Executive Officer of The Regional Medical Center of Acadiana. “Our commitment to wellness and health promotion is important to our mission as a cardiovascular and healthcare leader.  By eliminating this hazard we create a healthier environment for everyone we serve.”

The new policy means that the use of tobacco products will not be allowed anywhere in or on properties owned or leased by the hospital including parking lots and outdoor areas. The hospital is offering smoking cessation programs and support to employees who chose to quit smoking.

Regional Medical Center joins other facilities in The Regional Health System of Acadiana that have adopted  “tobacco-free” campus policies including Women’s & Children’s Hospital, tobacco-free since July 1, 2009, and Dauterive Hospital in New Iberia, scheduled to go tobacco-free on February 12 with Regional Medical.