Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine became a tobacco-free campus on Jan. 1, beginning a six-month transition period through June 30.
All Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine employees will be required to comply with the campus' tobacco-free policy by July 1.
Smoking and other uses of tobacco are prohibited in all Medical Center and college buildings and on all properties and grounds, either leased or owned. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, walkways, paths, parking garages and other parking areas.
Use of tobacco products also is not permitted in personal vehicles, while on Medical Center and college property.
Employees may obtain information on smoking cessation programs and nicotine replacement from their physician or pharmacist. Nicotine replacement therapies are available at discounted rates through the Medication Management Clinic. Individuals also may contact the 24-hour Careline at (800) 243-1455 for Smoking Cessation Classes and information offered at the Medical Center.
The policy was enacted to establish and maintain the safest possible environment in which to deliver quality care and to promote healthy behaviors among the community.