Emporia’s hospital campuses could become smoke-free by mid-November.
Newman Regional Health’s board of trustees will consider the issue this afternoon at its monthly meeting.
If the board approves the change today, said Terry Lambert, Newman chief executive officer, “we anticipate issuing a joint press release from both Newman Regional Health and Emporia Surgical Hospital regarding a policy to become tobacco-free on all property belonging to either hospital.”
The change is part of an initiative from the Kansas Hospital Association to show a commitment to healthy living, Lambert said. So far, 80 Kansas hospitals have made the move.
If approved, the change is set to take effect on Nov. 19 — the day of the Great American Smoke Out, said Nancy LeClear, Newman marketing director.