By JAN GODWIN

Public Relations Director

Memorial Hospital and Manor is going tobacco-free on April 4.

After this date, no tobacco use of any kind will be permitted anywhere on the hospital campus or its facilities—inside or outside.

This initiative will include the elimination of all designated smoking areas outside Memorial Hospital and Manor where employees, patients and visitors had previously been permitted to use tobacco products.

Current residents of the Manor and of Willow Ridge, who are smokers, are exempt from this policy.

Memorial Hospital and Manor has joined hospitals across Georgia in an effort to become tobacco-free in supporting the health and wellness of all of employees, patients and visitors. More than 10,000 Georgians die every year from tobacco use. And one out of every six people dies from smoking-related illnesses. Smoking costs Georgians $1.8 billion in direct health care costs each year.

Smoking kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined.

It is estimated that 184,000 children under the age of 18 in Georgia will ultimately die a premature death from the effects of tobacco. Death from tobacco use is the No. 1 preventable cause of death in the world. Every year, nearly half a million people die from the effects of tobacco.

Memorial Hospital and Manor is asking for the community’s support in our tobacco-free initiative as we move forward to make our community healthier for all our citizens. Many smoking cessation products are available to help people who want to quit smoking. Patients should talk to their physicians about their options.