For Immediate Release:

Virginia Regional Medical Center Becomes
Tobacco Free Campus on January 1, 2007

Virginia Regional Medical Center's new tobacco free policy takes effect on January 1, 2007.  According to the new policy the use of tobacco products is prohibited on all VRMC owned and leased facilities.  This includes grounds, parking lots, company owned vehicles, and employee vehicles park on VRMC owned and leased property.  Signs will be exhibited appropriately throughout the properties.  Any patient or visitor observed using tobacco on VRMC owned or leased property will be asked to discontinue.

As a leading healthcare organization in the community, Virginia Regional Medical Center feels obligated to strongly assert the risks of tobacco use to employees, patient and the public.  Establishment of a tobacco-free environment clearly states VRMC's commitment to promote healthy lifestyles.  Employees have been offered assistance in tobacco cessation programs and patients will be given options upon admission for alternatives to smoking while in the facility.

"We have had a great response from our employees regarding this new policy.  Many of our employees who smoke are trying to quit and they have even gotten some of their family members to join them", stated Keith Harvey, CEO at VRMC.  "Many healthcare facilities around the state and country have gone tobacco free and we hope others will follow suit."

The city of Virginia also passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking within 50 feet of the VRMC campus on public property.  As with the VRMC policy, anyone observed using tobacco will be asked to discontinue.