University of Colorado Hospital Extends Tobacco-Free Zone

Smoking shacks to be converted to bicycle racks

AURORA, Colo. (June 30, 2008) – The University of Colorado Hospital is taking a step toward improving the health and wellness of its employees, medical staff, patients and their families by extending its tobacco-free zone beyond the walls of the hospital to include the areas outdoors as well. The extended tobacco ban begins July 1, 2008.

University of Colorado Hospital President and CEO Bruce Schroffel said the move supports the mission of the hospital and creates an even healthier environment for its employees, physicians, patients and families. “We are an organization dedicated to the health of our patients as well as to the health of our community,” said Schroffel. “We have a responsibility to prevent and decrease illness.”

One suggestion to come out of the ban was from an employee who raised the idea of converting smoking shacks to secure bicycle racks. Hospital administrators supported the idea, adding that the move actually allows the ban to do more than just eliminate smoking. The secure racks, they say, promote healthy lifestyles by encouraging people to ride their bikes to work. Conversion of the shacks to bike racks also begins July 1.

The hospital has been educating employees and patients about the ban for months and has offered smoking cessation classes, free for those who wish to quit smoking. All tobacco products will be banned on property owned or leased by the hospital with the exception of permitted use in the inpatient psychiatric services unit and at the Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation.

The University of Colorado Hospital is the Rocky Mountain region's leading academic medical center, and has been recognized as one of the United States’ best hospitals, according to U.S.News & World Report. It is best known as an innovator in patient care and often as one of the first hospitals to bring new medicine to patients’ bedsides. Located at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colo., the hospital is affiliated with the University of Colorado Denver, one of three universities in the University of Colorado system. For more information, visit the UC Denver Newsroom.