University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
Why is UNM Health Sciences Center (HSC) implementing an updated Smoke Free policy?
The UNM Health Sciences Center (HSC) is committed to building healthy communities; a smoke-free workplace setting is a progressive step in that direction. The UNM HSC is committed to wellness and prevention, as well as treatment. Therefore, we seek to create a healthier environment for all who come here by removing the presence of smoking.
How is the updated policy different from our previous policy?
All HSC buildings (including UNMHs buildings) are still smoke-free, but now smoking is no longer allowed on the premises of any HSC-owned or leased property or buildings, including garages and parking lots. Previously designated smoking areas are eliminated. It is important to note that the updated policy does not discriminate against people, who are smokers, just the smoking activity while on HSC premises.
How was the updated smoke-free policy implemented?
The updated policy affects all of the HSC-owned, -operated, and -leased facilities, but was implemented in two phases. See the updated HSC SFE map of boundaries and the separate listing of clinical off-site facilities on the HSC SFE website.
What were the phases of implementation?
The clinical operations of the UNMHs and the Cancer Research & Treatment Center implemented the updated HSC policy on April 14, 2007, and the remaining HSC academic operations implemented the same policy on August 1, 2007.
What is being done to help employees who smoke adjust to the updated policy?
1. UNMHs employees can receive one-on-one consultation and telephone follow-ups with the Hospital’s tobacco cessation expert, Dr. Jane Bowes. 5-week group sessions are also available. Call 272-2340 to make an appointment.
2. UNM HSC employees and their adult family members can take advantage of FREE individual counseling sessions through UNM Employee Health Promotion Program (EHPP). Call Rhonda Miranda, at 277-4996 to make an appointment.
3. There is also a specialized telephone cessation help line where all New Mexicans can be connected to specialists to help quit through a plan and telephone support. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW.
Who is eligible to participate in the free, smoking cessation courses being offered throughout the HSC?
All full-time, part-time and PRN employees of UNM HSC will be eligible to participate in the cessation programs at no cost.
What nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) or materials will be provided to program participants?
UNMH employees who attend smoking cessation programs with Dr. Bowes will be supplied with a free, one-month supply of the nicotine replacement. Other UNM HSC employees are eligible for a limited supply of NRT is available through UNM EHPP
Will employees and patients be required to quit smoking?
No. UNM HSC employees, patients and visitors will not be required to quit smoking; they will be required to smoke away from UNM HSC-owned grounds and properties.
Won’t this policy just send smokers off of our campus property onto the sidewalks and other pubic properties that are in close proximity to the HSC campus?
With the new City of Albuquerque smoking ban ordinance, this is difficult to do. While the potential exists, the hope is that all will embrace the efforts to sustain a healthier environment for patients, families, students and employees. The smell of smoke is a trigger for those trying to quit or remain smoke free while they are here. It is our responsibility to help each other, our patients, and visitors in this process.
What action will be taken if employees continue to smoke on the premises of UNM HSC?
Employees who continue to smoke on UNM HSC premises will receive an initial warning advising that they have broken or violated the updated smoke-free policy. After receiving a warning, employees who persist in smoking on UNM HSC grounds may be counseled according to the organization's progressive corrective action policy.
How are we informing our patients of the changed policy?
Patients are learning about UNM HSC's newly implemented Smoke-Free Environment policy through the Hospital’s extensive communications campaign featuring posters, banners, table tents and a variety of other materials that are displayed at each UNM HSC clinical facility. In addition, new and existing patients should be provided an overview of the changed policy upon being admitted to a UNM HSC hospital or receiving treatment at our physicians’ offices or medical centers. Signage is visible at various places throughout the North Campus and window signage is used for other off-site clinical facilities.
Suggested Script to Speak to a Person Who is Smoking
Isn’t smoking a personal legal right?
Court rulings maintain that smokers are not entitled to protection against discrimination as “addicts” or as “disabled persons.” Smokers are addicted to the nicotine, not the cigarette, which is the delivery device. To date no facility has been challenged regarding the right to smoke. Lawsuits brought by employees of non-hospital worksites have not been found in favor of smokers. There is no such thing as a right to smoke on another’s property. Additionally, it is our duty to protect the health of our staff, visitors and patients by reducing/eliminating the exposure to secondhand smoke and protecting their rights to a safe and healthy environment.
Isn’t banning smoking inhumane?
No. As mentioned previously, it is our duty to protect the health of our staff, visitors and patients by reducing/eliminating the exposure to secondhand smoke and protecting their rights to a safe and healthy environment.
Can tobacco addiction be considered a disability or handicap under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and someone be protected by the ADA because of it?
No, it is considered a chronic disease. It is not included in the ADA’s definitions. Although addiction to tobacco is not a handicap or disability, it is treatable. Since being published in 2000, the US Department of Health and Human Services has developed the Clinical Practice Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. Here’s a link: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco/clinpack.html
There's already so much pollution, what difference does tobacco smoke make?
Auto emissions and factory discharges are controlled. Secondhand smoke contains at least 250 chemicals known to be toxic, including more than 50 that can cause cancer. Tobacco smoke paralyzes the cilia in people's respiratory systems -- and reduces the capability of our bodies to handle other pollutants, which are a part of our lives. Also, pollutants are synergistic; several together can be more harmful than the sum of their individual effects. Many of the pollutants in tobacco wouldn't be allowed if the source were something other than smoking.
What other hospitals in New Mexico have a similar policy or plan to implement such a policy?
Facility Name, City
Information current as of August 2, 2007