A Reminder About Our Tobacco-Free Policy

Our Smoking, Tobacco and Vapor Use policy sets guidelines for the use of tobacco and vapor products at our facilities.

All Carilion hospitals and facilities are tobacco-free facilities, and the use of tobacco products or e-cigarettes/vaping products is not allowed on any Carilion property. This applies to all employees, contracted staff, affiliated physicians, students, volunteers, patients and visitors.

Why It Matters

In keeping with our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve, our organization is committed to providing a safe, clean and healthy environment for patients, employees and visitors. Studies indicate that the use of tobacco is a leading cause of preventable illness and premature death.

Second-hand smoke from cigarettes causes health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. E-cigarette aerosol can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents.

In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in false fire alarms caused by people using vaping products. These alarms not only place additional stress on staff and on first responders, but they also increase the risk from a real fire by desensitizing employees to the alarm.

What You Can Do

• Follow our Smoking, Tobacco and Vapor Use policy. You can find it on PageCenterX or download it from the link at the bottom of this page.
• Reinforce to patients and visitors that no smoking or vaping is permitted in our facilities or on Carilion property.
• If you use tobacco or vapor products and want to quit, talk with your primary care provider or check out the resources available to you as a Carilion employee. You'll be on your way to better health!

Questions?

If you have questions about the policy, contact Philip Prescott, Emergency Management, at peprescott@carilionclinic.org.