Tobacco Documents Online

F4JIL,_NEW JERSEY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION a' Cerater for Health Affairs 760 Alexander Road (609) 275•4000 CNL1 FAX (609) 275•4100 Pnncetoni New Jersey 08543-0001 Louis P. Scibetta FACHE President. August 13, 1990 William E. Parkin, DVM, DrPH Assistant Commissioner Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control New Jersey Department of Health CN 369 Trenton, NJ 08625-0369 Dear Dr. Parkin: *0 On behalf of the New Jersey Hospital Association, I am writing in support of the grant application of the New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Division of the American Cancer Society, to the National Cancer Institute's American Stop Smoking Intervention Study (ASSIST) for Cancer Prevention. Medical evidence clearly shows that smoking is not only harmful to the health of the smoker, but it is also•an irritant to many nonsmokers. Recent medical studies indicate that long term exposure to smoke may increase nonsmokers' risk of developing severe limg diseases. Smoking has been clearly cited as the single most preventable cause of death. Over 390,000 Americans will die prematurely of diseases linked to smoking this year. The number is greater than the combined deaths from alcohol, illegal drugs, traffic accidents, suicide and homicide. The continuous effort of the New Jersey State Department of Health has been to reduce tobacco-related cancer morbidity and mortality rates in New Jersey. The DOH's enthusiastic response to the prospect of New Jersey's hospitals voluntarily going smake-free, and their willingness to address smoking in other healthcare facilities, helped NJHA to initiate it's Smoke-Free Hospital campaign.

Our smoke-free program is fimded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State DOH. This support helped'NJHA to become the nation's first hospital association to help member hospitals voluntarily institute 100 percent smoke-free policies. Our upbeat campaign, entitled "Let's Clear the Air," provides help and guidance at each step of the way. We've developed and distributed Smoke-8ree Hospital Program Kits to all member hospitals. They include colorful Let's Clear the Air posters, hospital employee, patient and visitor brochures expl.aining why the institution is going smoke-free, sample public service announcements, press materials and a step-by-step guide to becoming smoke-free. Tfle Departmeat has been a consistent ally in these efforts. Press conferences have been held to help inform the media and public of the NJHA position aad commitnent to this program. The association also has held a number of seminars that provided nurses, physicians, social workers and hospital administrators With strategies for the successful establishment and maintenance of an institutional smoke-free environment. P`ree consultations for member hospitals are an important part of NJHA's education campaign. Continual education will help employees learn how to help themselves and others deal with the transition from smoky to smoke-free. Launched a year and a half ago, 86 percent of the association's 119 member hospitals have committed to going smoke-free. To date, 85 of New Jersey's hospitals have made the transition and kicked the habit. Seventeea more hospitals will become totally smoke-free before 1991. By the end of 1991, the association ezpects all New Jersey hospitals will be smoke-free. NJHA hopes that with continued support, the smoke-free program can also be implemented in nursing home facilities. The Department of Health has been very supportive in the launch and implementation of the "Let's Clear the Air" program. We know that you will conscientiously carry out the terms of the ASSIST contract and we will cooperate w3.th you in that effort. IITHA offers its' assistance and available resources to belp further your goal of reducing morbidity and mortality rates from the detrimental effects of tobacco use. NJHA looks forward to being part of the coalition formed between the New Jersey Department of Health, the American Cancer Society, and other state and local organizationas for the prevention of cancer and elimination of other tobacco-caused diseases. Sincerely, Edmund Abramovitz, FACHE, Vi~~esident Hosp9:ta1 Management and P New Jersey Hospital Asso ~ ing lation RECEIVED AUG i / 199Q DtV. EPl/DISEASE CDNTROL: