As of today, Huntsville Hospital and Hospice grounds are smoke-free and vape-free

Effective today, June 1, 2016, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) properties in Huntsville and Bracebridge are smoke-free grounds. The policy also includes and impacts other agencies located on MAHC property, such as Algonquin Grace Hospice, One Kids Place and the Algonquin Family Health Team, and applies to to anyone on MAHC property, including patients, visitors, staff and other health care providers.

This means smoking and vaping (e-cigarettes) are not allowed anywhere on MAHC property, including all driveways, parking lots, gardens, walkways and forested areas.

“There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” explains Natalie Bubela, Chief Executive Officer at MAHC. “Creating smoke-free grounds protects our community, supports those members of our community who are trying to quit smoking, and helps to prevent others, especially our youth, from starting to smoke.”

Smoke-free grounds are legislated at many public places and most recently on sports fields, and playgrounds. New legislation under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act now poses rules for hospitals that prohibit smoking on hospital property.

“We are not telling anyone whether or not to smoke, but we are advising where you can and cannot smoke,” says Bubela. “We understand this creates hardship for those who smoke and recognize that changing habits is never easy. MAHC is committed to help by supporting inpatients with Nicotine Replacement Therapy and providing staff with education and smoking cessation resources.”

As a health care organization, MAHC has an important role to play in promoting health and wellness in the communities it serves. A smoke-free environment helps to create a healthier and safer place, and encourages and supports both patients and families and staff in making healthy choices.

Smoking cessation resources and incentives are broadly available for people who want to quit smoking. You can call the Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 or the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit Health Connection at 1-877-721-7520 to help connect with the best support for you. As well, many health care providers in the community like Family Health Teams, Nurse Practitioner Clinics and even the Canadian Mental Health Association offer smoking cessation programs.

All of the hospitals in North Simcoe Muskoka have gone smoke-free and MAHC is proud to be joining them in their effort to promote healthy smoke-free living.