Released: May 19, 2010

In an effort to model healthy behaviors for each other and for the community in which it serves, The Chester County Hospital and Health System has decided to create a smoke-free environment for its employees, patients, and visitors. As of July 1, 2010, The Chester County Hospital and Health System will become a smoke-free campus, no longer allowing smoking anywhere on the main campus of the Hospital as well as on its many satellite campuses.

"Our journey began two and a half years ago as we formed a task force of smokers and non-smokers alike to study other health facilities smoke-free policies, smoking locations, and employee needs," explains Jackie Felicetti, Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development. "In 2007, we limited smoking to one location on the Hospital campus. As pressures arose from our community and our employees to become a smoke-free institution and the efforts of our Wellness taskforce to promote health, the decision to be smoke-free was a clear direction."

The Chester County Hospital offers cessation classes free of charge to those who wish to quit smoking. Stop Smoking Now!, an 8-week program, includes education, support and the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy, if needed.

Last Updated: 6/18/2010