Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to discuss the dynamics of working with a group of hospitals to become smoke-free outdoors; benefits of multiple hospitals committing jointly; barriers to implementation; importance of timely communication to employees and responses to resources made available.

Key Points: Every year, 3,000 Pennsylvanians die from exposure to secondhand smoke. Led by the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership in a project funded by Tobacco Master Settlement monies via the Bucks County Tobacco Control Project, seven hospitals joined together and pledged to take steps necessary to help cut the number of Pennsylvanians negatively affected by tobacco use.

Benefits: The mutual pledge eased compliance and sent a message to community members that healthcare professionals throughout this county recognize the importance of tobacco control in improving the lives of residents.

Abstract: In keeping with their commitment to provide the highest quality of care, seven acute care hospitals in Bucks County, Pennsylvania united in their voluntary adoption of completely smoke-free campus policies taking effect in 2007. To ensure the safety, health and well-being of everyone, smoking will longer be permitted on any property owned by any of the hospitals.

In order to support employees, visitors, patients and volunteers, hospital officials offered free cessation classes and developed methods to provide nicotine replacement products for use during hours spent at any of the campuses or to be used to assist in quitting for good. Task forces were formed at each facility and plans were implemented with varying timeframes and elements specific to each.