Mercy & Unity Hospitals to become completely tobacco free

Beginning July 1, Mercy & Unity Hospitals will be tobacco free. This means that smoking or the use of tobacco products will not be allowed in the buildings, on the grounds or in parking areas of the hospitals or its owned and leased facilities.

Allina Hospitals & Clinics, the hospital’s parent organization, is establishing the new policy to protect everyone working at and visiting its campuses from exposure to tobacco. The new policy is being enforced at all Allina facilities in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In addition to the hospitals, Allina has several clinics in the area, including AMC–Coon Rapids and AMC-Ramsey.

“Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in this country, responsible for one in every five deaths,” said C. Dennis O’Hare, M.D., vice president of medical affairs for Mercy & Unity. “The health hazards of tobacco use are well known. As a health care institution, it is important to demonstrate our commitment to good health.”

Posters in the facilities will remind patients, visitors and employees that tobacco is not allowed.

The hospitals sponsor support services for tobacco users, including smoking cessation options. For more information, call Medformation at 651-697-3333 or visit www.medformation.com.

Mercy & Unity Hospitals, located in Coon Rapids and Fridley, are non-profit hospitals that serve the northern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. The hospitals, which are part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, are located on the Internet at www.mercyunity.com.