Florida Hospital DeLand Goes Smoke-Free on November 19

Nov. 6, 2009 - PRLog -- For the health and well-being of patients, visitors and employees, Florida Hospital DeLand will be tobacco-free starting November 19, 2009.

The new policy means that any use of tobacco products will be prohibited by all employees, physicians, visitors, patients, volunteers, vendors and medical staff anywhere on the campus or on any property owned by Florida Hospital DeLand.  This prohibition applies to smoking in personal vehicles on the property as well as on any sidewalks or streets within the boundaries of the campus.

“As a healing institution, we have a commitment to provide a safe and healthy environment to everyone who visits our facility,” said Daryl Tol, CEO/President of Florida Hospital DeLand.  “It is also our responsibility to promote healthy living, wellness and disease prevention to the community.”

By making its environment completely smoke free, Florida Hospital DeLand is addressing the number one health risk today. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. Each year, smoking accounts for an estimated 443,000 premature deaths, including 38,000 deaths among nonsmokers as a result of secondhand smoke. Half of all Americans who continue to smoke will die from smoking-related diseases.  

Since smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, Florida Hospital DeLand feels it is essential to take this step toward providing better health and a better quality of life to the community it serves.

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Florida Hospital DeLand was established in 1962 and is a 156-bed acute-care hospital. It is a part of the Adventist Health System; the largest Protestant not-for-profit hospital system in the nation and works to provide exceptional, patient-focused care.