Tobacco Free

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Beginning Sept. 1, 2006,  most Missouri hospitals implemented a ban on the use of tobacco products on their campuses. The ban on tobacco products, originally announced in May, marks a voluntarily implementation by the hospital community that is nearly a year in advance of a state regulation restricting tobacco use on hospital campuses. 

“Just as each hospital is different, each hospital will implement the ban to reflect the unique needs of the facility,” said Marc D. Smith, MHA president. “As leaders of the health care community, it’s important that we demonstrate positive health behaviors and take a strong stand against the use of a proven health hazard. We plan to use this opportunity to educate our communities about the dangers of tobacco use.” 

Although hospitals in Missouri have banned smoking inside their facilities for more than a decade, beginning Sept. 1, tobacco use will be restricted across their entire campuses. As a component of their tobacco-free plans, hospitals will be working to educate the public about their no-tobacco policies.  

The Missouri Hospital Association is a not-for-profit association in Jefferson City that represents 141 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its members, the association offers continuing education programs on current health topics and seeks to educate the public, as well as legislative representatives, about health care issues.