Current indoor no-smoking policy to expand to prohibit tobacco use outdoors on health sciences campus; health sciences employees and students offered cessation support
CLEVELAND The health sciences schools of Case Western Reserve University, collectively known as the Louis Stokes Health Science Center, will become completely
smoke-free beginning Nov. 17, the date of the Great American Smokeout.
Case's School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine and Frances
Payne Bolton School of Nursing have chosen to implement their
"Clear the Air" initiative on the same day that University
Hospitals Health System will institute a no-smoking policy for
all spaces, indoors and outdoors, in its facilities. One of
those facilities is University Hospitals of Cleveland, which
is adjacent to Cases health sciences campus. Case and UHHS already
have no-smoking policies for their interior spaces.
"Our schools are leaders in health-related research and
education," said Ralph I. Horwitz, M.D., dean of the medical
school. "This is another way for us to serve as an example
to other institutions and organizations."
Jerold Goldberg, D.D.S., dean of the dental school, agreed.
"This is an opportunity for faculty, staff and students
to benefit from research findings and aim for improved health."
Because of the immediate impact this program
will have on them, faculty, staff and students at the three schools will be given the opportunity to participate in an on-site smoking cessation program designed by faculty
experts. Those elsewhere at the university who use tobacco products but wish to quit will be directed to other, free cessation support.
"A nurturing and supportive atmosphere is one of the hallmarks
of our institution," said May Wykle, Ph.D., R.N., dean
of the nursing school. "We believe this new initiative
will result in a better working and learning environment."
For more information on the initiative, visit http://casemed.case.edu/clearair.
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