By ED BALDRIDGE
ed.baldridge@newssun.com
SEBRING -- Tim Cook, president and CEO of Florida Hospital Heartland Division, announced Thursday morning that all campuses were converting to completely tobacco free by July 1, 2010.
The announcement comes as part of the health care provider's support of the 34th Great American Smokeout, a day designated as the opportunity to "kick the habit" by the American Cancer Society.
"This is not an appealing habit, it is a dangerous habit," said Cook during the press conference.
"I know that this will effect several of our own team members. It will be a challenge to them, but we are going to stand behind them. We will broaden our support to all three campuses to help everyone of those members get off this habit," Cook said.
Highlands County Health Department Administrator Robert Palussek told attendees that his organization was behind Florida Hospital 100 percent.
"Changing human behavior is one of the hardest things to do, and this is the only route that makes sense," Palussek said.
According to Palussek, smoking has been identified as the most important source of preventable morbidity and premature mortality in the United States and the world.
"Smoking-related problems kills more people than car accidents, homicides, suicides, alcohol, AIDS and all illegal drugs combined," Palussek commented.
"The cost of tobacco-related problems is more than $190 billion per year," he added. "I commend the Florida Hospital for taking this important step."
Cook took a minute after the formal presentation to introduce Florida Hospital's newest mascot, "Puffy," who, according to Cook, will be visiting the wings and wards of all three campuses in the next couple of months passing out brochures and delivering information about the new policy.
"Puffy will help us educate everyone about our new policy," Cook said.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - www.newssun.com/1120-eb-florida-hosp