Prince William Health System to go tobacco free on May 31
Effective May 31, Prince William Health System will go tobacco free. The policy is being adopted to ensure a healthy healing environment for patients as well as a healthy work environment for employees. The new policy means that tobacco use will not be allowed inside the hospital or outside on the hospital grounds, including vehicles in the parking lots.The policy will also apply to properties that are affiliated with the health system, such as the Gainesville Medical Center, Caton Merchant House and the soon-to-open Haymarket Health Center. The new tobacco-free environment policy applies to employees, visitors, patients, contractors, students, volunteers, physicians and anyone else at a hospital system facility.May 31 was chosen because that is recognized every year as World No Tobacco Day.To assist people who would like to quit smoking, the Prince William Hospital is offering smoking cessation classes. This six-week educational class is held once a week on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Birthing Center conference room. The program fee is $210. Registration is required and the fee must be paid in advance. To register or to get more information about the smoking cessation class, call (703) 369-8403.