Problem/Objective: To adopt a "Smoke-free" Policy by the Watts Health Center to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the patients, visitors, and employees by discouraging the inherently dangerous behavior of smoking around non-smokers and to affirm and promote the health conscious atmosphere of the Watts Health Center.

Methods: The South Central Los Angeles Community Tobacco Control Program (TCP) sought to amend the existing exterior smoking policy at Watts Health Center (WHC) medical facility that confined smoking to a designated areas away from the facility entrances. The proposed policy amendment bans the smoking of tobacco products on the grounds of the facility. A public opinion survey, petition drive, and education and advocacy presentations by TCP team members provided strong empirical and popular support for the proposed policy amendments. With strong public sentiment, TCP received cooperation and support from key Watts Healthcare (WHCC)administrators and staff.

Results: The policy amendment was approved on February 22, 2006 by the Quality Management Committee and enacted May 1, 2006.

Conclusions: The TCP team collected convincing data from WHCC staff and visitors via a public opinion survey, petitions, and interactive feedback mechanisms. Stakeholder buy-in and empirical assessment of public opinion was central to the adoption and enforcement of the smoking ban at the WHC. Outside of a few instances of noncompliance shortly after enactment of the smoking ban, security personnel have noted no violations of the smoking ban during periodic compliance checks and security patrols.