All Jackson Health System Property and Facilities Are Smoke-Free

In our continuing effort to lead the way toward a healthier lifestyle, Jackson Health System (JHS) and its affiliate, the UHealth-University of Miami Health System, are taking steps to improve the health and well-being of our patients, visitors, students and employees.  Knowing that tobacco smoke is a proven health hazard to both smokers and non-smokers alike, and tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, we have decided that tobacco use is inconsistent with our healthcare mission.

Therefore, all properties owned or leased by Jackson and UHealth are now smoke-free environments. This means that in addition to the buildings, which are already smoke-free, smoking is not permitted in any outdoor areas, including parking garages or in parked vehicles.

By eliminating involuntary smoke exposure, we will ensure that we are creating a healthy environment for all people who receive medical care, work, study and visit our facilities. Recently, a report by the Institute of Medicine further validates this action.  Researchers nationwide have examined studies from around the world and definitively determined that smoking bans in public places clearly reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart disease from primary inhalation and second hand exposure.

We realize that overcoming a dependence on tobacco can be challenging.  With that in mind, we assist all employees, patients and students who wish to stop smoking. We offer a series of cessation programs and a wide range of supportive systems to help make this transition to a healthier lifestyle a success. In addition, physicians and campus leaders will continue to provide education and outreach to those who require cessation resources. This organization-wide effort is sponsored by the University of Miami, Office of Community Health - Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which provides funding for many of the resources needed to undertake this initiative.

As we go through this process, we are prepared to evaluate the effectiveness of all the programs being offered and will adjust the availability as needed.  Our goal will be to continuously offer encouragement and education toward a smoke-free lifestyle.  Violations of the policy will be addressed by volunteer ambassadors, emphasizing the promotion of improved health and availability of cessation programs.

As the healthcare leaders for South Florida, we look forward to creating a healthier environment free of tobacco smoke for the thousands of people who receive care, work and visit our campuses.

Please click on the links at the right for additional information.