FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How is CHC going to help?
   
   CHC provides educational materials concerning the dangers of smoking and ways to stop using tobacco products at our Health & Wellness Center in Greenwood Mall. Smoking cessation programs offered at the center will be open to the public.
    
2. What is CHC’s policy?
   
   Effective January 1, 2004, CHC prohibits the use of tobacco products anywhere on a CHC-owned property, inside or outside.
    
3. Why such a strict policy?
   
   As the healthcare leader in Southcentral Kentucky, we feel that it is our duty to implement a tobacco-free policy at all CHC properties. The use of tobacco is the #1 preventable health risk behavior and is the contributor to our leading causes of death. We have an obligation, as declared in our mission statement, to our employees, patients, visitors, and the community to ensure the health and safety of those who enter CHC facilities.
    
4. How will patients and visitors know about the policy?
   
   When a patient enters The Medical Center a question is asked on the patient registration form if the patient smokes. If the patient answers yes, he/she will be notified of CHC’s tobacco-free policy. This information will also be given to the patient’s visitors. We will provide as much assistance to the patient as possible in helping him/her not smoke while at the hospital.
    
5. Will a person be allowed to smoke inside his or her personal vehicle?
   
   While CHC discourages the use of tobacco products, we also recognize that vehicles are personal property and individuals have basic rights concerning their own property; therefore, smoking will be allowed inside vehicles. Cigarettes must be disposed of properly prior to leaving the car and may not be thrown on CHC grounds.
    
6. Will the policy also be in effect at CHC-leased properties such as the Medical Arts Building and the Medical Plaza?
   
   Yes
    
7. Will the policy also be in effect at Graves-Gilbert Clinic?
   
   Yes. CHC is very pleased that the Board of Directors and the administrative team for Graves-Gilbert Clinic has agreed to join us in implementing this new policy.
    
8. Are other hospitals implementing the same policy?
   
   There are other hospitals in the country that have implemented a tobacco-free policy throughout their facilities, and it is an increasing trend across the nation. CHC is one of the first healthcare organizations in Kentucky to have a completely tobacco-free campus.