DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 14, 2007 DHSS-128-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BREATHE EASY - WE'RE TOBACCO FREE
Tobacco Free Campus Events Launch New Policy
Delaware - Delaware Health and Social Services will celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 15 with the implementation of its new Tobacco Free Campus policy. The decision to make its campuses smoke free is a reflection of Governor Minner's dedication to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Tobacco use is Delaware's leading cause of premature death and disability. Tobacco causes almost a third of all cancers; and is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, emphysema and other lung diseases.
"With smoking and breathing second-hand smoke being the leading causes of many illnesses," explained Secretary Vincent P. Meconi, "DHSS has an obligation to the community to address this issue and ensure a healthy environment at DHSS for our patients, visitors, staff and healthcare providers."
Although DHSS buildings have been smoke-free for many years, smoking has been permitted in designated areas outside the facilities. With half of the United States now protected by smoke-free laws, and a variety of cessation resources available, there has never been a better time to quit smoking and enjoy the health benefits.
"We realize that this policy may be difficult for people who smoke, and we are doing our best to make resources available for them so they can abide by this new policy," said Meconi. "We are committed to improving the health of our community, and everyone's cooperation with our policy for a tobacco-free campus is appreciated."
According to Public Health Division Director Dr. Gus Rivera, the tobacco free the movement is catching on. "The trend toward a smoke-free country is going on everywhere. Healthcare facilities are simply reflecting the same trend we're seeing in society."
Each campus will host its own Unveiling Party, complete with speakers, smoking cessation resources and more. Media and the public are invited to join us at:
| Campus | Building | Time |
| Herman Holloway, Sr., New Castle | Main Building | Noon |
| Emily P. Bissell Hospital, Wilmington | Main Building (Building A) | Noon |
| Stockley Center, Georgetown | All Star Auditorium | Noon |
| Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City | Pavilion Building | Noon |
| Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna | Main Entrance | Noon |
"As the guardian of Delaware's public health it is our turn to take the lead in the movement to prohibit smoking in the workplace," said Vince Meconi, Secretary, Delaware Health and Social Services. "As we see it, condoning tobacco use anywhere on our hospital properties sends the wrong message about a deadly product. The Department has a responsibility to be activists on this important public health issue," he said.
The Delaware Division of Public Health works to prevent the use of tobacco products through its Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. The program is supported by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriations from the Delaware Health Fund.
Tobacco Prevention and Control Program offers two programs to help smokers quit successfully - the Delaware Quitline and the online Delaware QuitNet.
The program also conducts media campaigns, and funds youth-led campaigns and peer-group organizations. Educational activities are carried out at all levels, including community and school programs.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
