Jasper Memorial To Become Smoke-Free

Jasper Health Services, Inc. will be tobacco-free on January 1, 2017. After this date, no tobacco use of any kind will be permitted anywhere on the facility campus – inside or outside, according to an announcement from Jasper Health Services.

This initiative will include the elimination of designated areas outside Jasper Health Services where employees, patients, and visitors had previously been permitted to use tobacco products.

Jasper Health Services, Inc. has joined facilities across Georgia in an effort to become tobacco-free. “Your health care system is committed to the health and safety of all of our employees, patients, and visitors. We want to take a leadership role on major health issues,” the announcement said. “Making our campus completely tobacco-free firmly supports our belief in the health and wellness of our citizens.”

Tobacco use in the number one preventable cause of death and premature death in the United States. Every year, nearly half a million people die from the effects of tobacco.

Over 11,500 Georgians die every year from tobacco use. Smoking kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides combined.

Smoking costs Georgians $5 billion in direct and indirect health care costs each year, the announcement said.

“Our commitment to this tobacco-free initiative is a definitive way to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to healthy living.

“We are asking for the community’s support in our tobacco-free initiative as we move forward to make Georgia healthier for all our citizens.”

For additional resources on how to quit tobacco use and effects of tobacco use, visit cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco.