According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Tobacco use contributes to poor health, and increased risk of disease and chronic illness. Each year, more then 400,000 Americans die from cigarette smoking.
Because improved health and the prevention of disease are essential parts of the mission at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine, the Medical Center will become a tobacco-free organization as of Jan. 1. Smoking and tobacco use of any kind will no longer be permitted on the grounds of the Medical Center facilities for employees and visitors. More information about the change in policy will be shared with employees in the coming weeks.
The Medical Center currently offers a number of programs and health-care benefits incentives for individuals to quit smoking. Information on the smoking cessation program offered at the Medical Center can be found by calling (800) 243-1455 or at http://www.hmc.psu.edu/heartandvascular/programs/general/wellness/smoking.htm online.