Saint Raphael's has joined the growing number of hospitals around the country that are making a commitment to overall health and wellness with a totally Smoke-Free environment.

Launched on November 19, 2009 - the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout - Saint Raphael's new policy establishes a 100% smoke-free environment at its main campus and at satellite facilities. The new policy will apply to all patients, visitors, physicians, vendors, volunteers, employees and anyone who enters the grounds of a Saint Raphael's facility.

The policy prohibits the use of tobacco products of any kind inside Saint Raphael's buildings, parking lots or garages, or anywhere on the grounds of Saint Raphael's facilities (including the immediate sidewalks of Chapel, Sherman, George and Orchard Streets at the Main campus) and satellite locations.  This is a change from the 2007 policy that offered deisgnated smoking areas.

The smoke-free initiative was prompted by a proposal from the Connecticut Hospital Association in November 2008 urging hospitals to establish smoke-free environments by November 2010.

In preparation for the November policy change, Saint Raphael's offered three rounds of smoking cessation programs during 2009.  Discounted nicotine replacement patches continue to be available at the hospital's Apothecary & Wellness Center pharmacy.

Watch for:  New signage in and around the building including in the garages and on the immediate sidewalks around the main building.

ALSO:  Make 'Quitting' your "New Year's Resolution" with our Freedom From Smoking - cessation program to begin after the New Year 2010!