A Message From the President & CEO

Dear Colleague,

Each year, more than 400,000 people in this country die from smoking-related illnesses. As healthcare providers committed to delivering the best quality of care to our patients and the communities we serve, the North Shore-LIJ Health System is working towards becoming completely smoke-free. Smoking, and the use of tobacco products, will be prohibited on our property effective January 1, 2010.

The smoking prohibition applies to all employees and everyone else who visits our campus, including patients, visitors, vendors, volunteers and medical staff. Being smoke-free will help us reach our goal of providing a healthier environment and delivering the best quality of service to our customers.

While I think you will agree that our initiative to become smoke-free is long overdue, we realize the challenges this new policy imposes on not just our employees, but patients and visitors as well. It will be especially challenging for those who smoke. In light of this, the health system’s Center for Tobacco Control (CTC) is offering free smoking cessation programs and FDA-approved smoking cessation medications to any employee who wishes to quit. Employees may contact the CTC directly for more information at: 516-466-1980 or visit them online.

For your convenience, you may download a brochure that explains the smoke-free initiative in more detail, and highlights additional resources that are available to employees at no cost.

You will hear more about our campaign to promote healthy lifestyles in the near future. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Human Resources Department. Thank you for joining us in our efforts to make the health system a healthier and safer environment for everyone.

Michael J. Dowling
President and CEO

Center for Tobacco Control

Materials for Employees

• Smoke-Free Frequently Asked Questions
• Smoke-Free Brochure for Employees

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