CHARLOTTE, NC - Brunswick Community Hospital, along with other Novant Health facilities, will become tobacco-free in 2007. Patients, visitors, employees, physicians and volunteers will no longer be permitted to smoke inside or outside of the facility. Brunswick Community Hospital is targeting April 2 for launching their smoke and tobacco-free campuses.

"Our decision to create a tobacco-free atmosphere supports our mission of 'improving the health of our communities one person at a time,'" said Jacque Gattis, Novant Health's chief human resources officer. "Years ago, our hospitals and clinics took important steps in prohibiting tobacco use inside our buildings. We are now extending this restriction to our entire grounds and campuses to further advance health and safety."

At last count, 48 hospital campuses in North Carolina have become 100% tobacco-free and approximately 30 to 40 additional hospitals in the state are somewhere in the planning process to also become tobacco-free campuses.

Physicians and employees are in the process of receiving communications about the new tobacco-free policy. To educate patients and visitors, a comprehensive educational campaign will be launched, including posters, yard signs and decals on doors.

"Employees also will play a big part in communicating the new policy to visitors who might not be aware of the change," explained Gattis.

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