The Planning Committee of Lee Memorial Health System’s Board of Directors has approved Administration’s plan to become a tobacco free work place by Nov. 19, 2009, which coincides with the Great American Smoke Out sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

This fall, LMHS will join more than 1,082 U.S. hospitals and health systems that have also decided to go tobacco free in their workplace. More than 60 other Florida hospitals and health systems have gone Tobacco Free including: Charlotte Regional Medical Center, Moffitt Cancer Center, Florida Hospital, Baptist Hospital of Miami, and Baptist Health in Jacksonville.

This decision means that all forms of tobacco-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco like chewing tobacco or dip-would be prohibited from use on Lee Memorial Health System properties both owned and leased.

“I feel this decision is an important one for the health of not only our employees and physicians, but also for our community members,” says Kerry Babb, Lee Memorial Health System Board Member, and Board liaison for the Tobacco Free campaign. “Our job is to truly help our residents and visitors lead healthier lives.”

The full Board will make the final decision at the March 26, 2009 meeting.

More information will be forthcoming about Lee Memorial Health System’s Tobacco Free campaign over the next few months, officials said.