Manatee hospitals extinguish smoking

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Manatee Memorial Hospital and Blake Medical Center announced today tobacco use will no longer be permitted on their campuses on Sept. 1.

Following the example of the hospitals and health departments in Sarasota, DeSoto and Charlotte counties — which became tobacco free in 2007 — and other hospitals across the nation, the three hospitals in Manatee have decided to become tobacco free citing that the health risks of tobacco use conflict with their objective of providing a safe and healthy environment for patients, employees, physicians and visitors.

Establishment of this policy recognizes the health, safety and comfort benefits of tobacco-free air and the special responsibility that hospitals have in maintaining, and promoting a healthy and safe environment.

“The American Heart Association is an advocate for smoke-free workplaces at the state and local levels,” said Dr. Bill Gower, past president of the American Heart Association’s Greater Southeast Affiliate.