Problem/Objective: In 2005, it was estimated that exposure to secondhand smoke resulted in the deaths of approximately 50,000 people. Secondhand smoke exposure is of particular risk to those with lung and heart disease, and asthma; and is commonly found at entrances to hospitals. To protect everyone from any exposure to secondhand smoke, NC hospitals began banning tobacco use on their campuses in 2003. This presentation will be of interest to people working on hospital or business tobacco cessation policy efforts.

Methods: With funding from The Duke Endowment, and in partnership with the NC Hospital Association's foundation, NC Prevention Partners began the Healthy Hospital Initiative program. NCPP promotes hospital based tobacco-free campus wide policies by conducting trainings, developing resource materials and providing technical assistance. NCPP built several communication networks for hospital-based executive level decision-makers. Promotional materials indicate which hospitals have passed such a policy, which further motivates hospitals to get involved.

Results: Due to the Healthy Hospital Initiative, over 70% of North Carolina's acute care facilities are tobacco-free campus wide, resulting in protection for everyone from exposure to secondhand smoke. Hospitals have experienced dramatic increases in tobacco cessation by their employees and have had little difficulty in implementing the policy. The hospitals additionally experience financial benefits as employees successfully quit.

Conclusions: NC hospitals have proven that any hospital, any where in the nation, can implement tobacco-free campus wide policies and reap substantial health and financial benefits.