The VA Illiana Health Care System campus in Danville and other VA locations become smoke-free on Tuesday (October 1st). Melissa Spady, Acting Public Affairs Officer for VA Illiana Health Care, says it is really nothing new. She notes the VA Central Office earlier sent out notification that all Veteran Health Administration facilities would go smoke-free, effective October 1st.
‘’We’re just making it a healthier environment,’’ said Spady. She noted smoke shelters that have been used in the past are being closed and locked. And Spady says smoking cessation classes and patches are available for employees who need them. Patients who need help because of the policy should talk with their primary health care provider. The new policy restricts smoking by patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors at all VA Health Care facilities. The smoke-free policy also includes employees.
‘’This policy change is consistent with our mission to promote a healthy environment for patients, visitors and employees at our facilities as an important element of improving our health care system,’’ said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. ‘’It will reduce the harmful effects of smoking, including exposure to second and third-hand smoke, as well as increase safety and reduce fire hazards caused by smoking.’’
