Riverton Memorial Hospital moves to tobacco-free campus

9/3/2010

Riverton, Wyo. • Riverton Memorial Hospital will be tobacco-free beginning November 18. As of that date, no tobacco use of any kind will be permitted inside or outside on hospital property.

While all of the buildings are currently smoke-free, the anticipated change will make the entire campus tobacco-free, both inside and out. This initiative includes the elimination of all designated areas outside of Riverton Memorial Hospital where employees, patients and visitors currently use tobacco products.

Since the hospital building is already smoke-free, this new policy will likely not have an impact on the vast majority of hospitalized patients. Those who have smoked or used tobacco products in the courtyard, outside the doors or in the parking lot will not be able to continue doing so, nor will smoking be permitted in cars parked on hospital property. This includes the medical office buildings and their grounds.

Tobacco receptacles and ashtrays will be removed from the premise before the policy takes effect.

The mission of Riverton Memorial Hospital is making our community healthier - by promoting health and the prevention of disease.  Riverton Memorial Hospital is joining national and state efforts to reduce the negative health effects of tobacco use on the community. More than 1,400 Wyoming residents die in illnesses related to tobacco use each year. Tobacco use in and around hospitals poses health and safety risks for patients, employees and visitors.

For more information, visit our website at Riverton-Hospital.com or call 307-856-4161.