Baptist Regional Medical Center Promotes a Smoke-Free Campus

In an effort to promote a healthier environment for our patients, family members, guests and employees Baptist Regional Medical Center will become a smoke-free campus effective May 2, 2011.

“Although I respect personal choices, we have made the decision to become a smoke-free campus to promote a healthier environment for our staff, patients and others visiting the hospital,” said John Henson, President.

It is BRMC’s decision to prohibit smoking on campus which includes personal vehicles and parking lots at Baptist Regional Medical Center, Baptist Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Baptist Outpatient Diagnostic Center and Baptist Human Resources.  BRMC is committed to the health and safety of our patients, their families and other visitors to the hospital. In a state that has the highest smoking rate in the nation at 29 percent, compared to the national average of 21 percent, Kentucky’s incidence and death rates for cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and other cancer-related diseases far exceed the national averages. Taking a leadership position on an issue that has such a drastic impact on the health of Kentucky’s residents is a logical progression. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, more than 30,000 Americans – including 8,000 Kentuckians – die each year as a result of tobacco use, and secondhand smoke kills more than 50,000 nonsmokers each year.  Knowing all of the harmful health effects caused by tobacco we feel it is our responsibility to take this initiative. We ask that you refrain from smoking while visiting the hospital and other specified locations.