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The healthcare organizations primary mission is to protect the health of those in the community while promoting and supporting a culture of healthy living. "We are committed to providing the healthiest environment possible for our patients, employees, visitors and volunteers," says Mike Hansen, CEO. "We chose this course of action after careful consideration and consultation with peer hospitals and our own medical and administrative staff. As a healthcare institution, we feel this is the right thing to do." The Pender Community Hospital Board of Directors approved the Tobacco Free Campus policy at the January 28, 2008 meeting. Smoking Cessation classes have been offered to the employees and their families in preparation for the April 1st date. Tobacco-related diseases account for the deaths of more than 400,000 adults in the United States each year. For every person who dies of a smoking related illness there are 20 more who suffer from a serious illness caused by smoking. Secondhand smoke is responsible for 150,00 to 300,00 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children younger than 18 months of age. Since 1999, nearly 70 percent of the U.S. workforce was covered by a smoke-free policy. Workplace productivity was increased and absenteeism was decreased among former smokers compared with current smokers. Pender Community Hospital provides smoking/tobacco cessation classes for those trying to kick the habit. Please contact Dee Moeller, Employee Health Coordinator for a current class listing and information or questions. Further assistance is also available at The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-784-8669 |
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| 603 Earl Street, Pender, Nebraska 68047, (402) 385-3083 | |||||||||