Tobacco-free environment

Q: What does "tobacco free" mean?

A: Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, is not permitted on the campuses of The Medical Center of Aurora, including:

• Green Valley Ranch Medical Office Building
• North Campus
• South Campus

Q: Why is The Medical Center of Aurora tobacco free?

A: As a major provider of health care in the community, our mission is to create a healthy environment for our patients, visitors, employees, volunteers and everyone who comes on our campus. We believe that we are setting a positive example for the community with genuine concern for everyone's health. Patients, visitors and staff are entitled to tobacco free, litter-free areas surrounding The Medical Center of Aurora entrances and other public spaces.

Q: Where on the campuses does the tobacco ban apply? Is tobacco use allowed inside cars?

A: Smoking and tobacco chewing are prohibited on all areas of the campuses, inside and outside, including inside cars that are parked on The Medical Center of Aurora properties, including:

• Green Valley Ranch Medical Office Building
• North Campus
• South Campus

Q: Why aren't there smoking huts that are in designated outdoor locations? Why not have designated smoking areas?

A: Smoking, second-hand smoke and chewing tobacco are known health hazards. As a health-care institution, we are committed not just to healing illness, but promoting wellness. Allowing smoking or chewing tobacco on our campuses, even in designated areas, is not consistent with this commitment. The Medical Center of Aurora take the firm position that we do not want visitors, patients or associates to use any tobacco products or be exposed to second-hand smoke while on our campuses.

Q: Isn't smoking or chewing tobacco a personal legal right?

A: We are not asking employees, visitors and patients to quit using tobacco products, but to refrain from these activities while visiting or working at any of The Medical Center of Aurora's campuses. Recent court rulings maintain that tobacco users are not entitled to protection against discrimination as disabled persons. Tobacco users are addicted to the nicotine, not the cigarettes or chew, which is the delivery device. There is no such thing as a legal right to smoke or chew tobacco on someone else's property.

Q: What kind of support does The Medical Center of Aurora provide patients that smoke and are hospitalized?

A: The hospital offers a variety of smoking cessation options for our patients. Patients should talk with their physician and/or nurse to determine what will work best for them. The physician and/or nurse can then place an order for the nicotine replacement therapy.