Published: November 17, 2007 09:45 pm         

Becoming Tobacco-Free

CUMBERLAND — With the intent to promote wellness, the Thomas B. Finan Center campus, which also houses the Brandenburg Center, Archway Station’s Longview Apartments, the Massie and Jackson units, and the Jefferson School, will become tobacco-free effective Jan. 2.

Use or possession of any form of tobacco product will be prohibited anywhere on the campus. This includes all work locations, grounds, parking lots, private vehicles on the center’s property and all state-owned vehicles.

“Research shows that smoking, chewing tobacco and rubbing snuff are major causes of preventable disease and death in this country,” said Judy Hott, CEO at the Finan Center. “Individuals with serious mental illness, on average, die 25 years earlier than those without a serious mental illness. Tobacco use has been found to be a leading cause. As a health care system, it is our goal to provide our patients, visitors and staff with an environment as hazard-free as possible.”

A kickoff campaign was held in early September in the lobby at Finan to set the stage for becoming a tobacco-free environment in 2008. Partnering with the Allegany County Health Department Substance Abuse Prevention and Cessation Office, staff and patients at Finan were provided information about the effects of tobacco use and numerous suggestions on how to quit.

More than 50 people were awarded prizes for participating, including T-shirts, hats, bags and pins. Finan will show educational videos, providing individual and group behavior therapy, and will develop additional programs for smokers and nonsmokers alike to promote wellness.

With the recent award of a $5,000 grant from the Allegany County Health Department and the Cigarette Restitution Fund, Finan will be able to provide monetary support to assist tobacco users who wish to quit. Poster and T-shirt design contests will promote prevention and cessation as well as other activities to aid in the transition. For information about community resources, contact the health department at (301) 759-5050.