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WVU tightening tobacco- and smoke-free campus policy; WVU Medicine policy changes in the works

While all West Virginia University (WVU) campuses went tobacco- and smoke-free in 2013, the University is tightening its policies on this issue, effective Aug. 1. Learn more.

The policy continues to prohibit smoking in any form, including e-cigarettes and vapor products, on WVU property, including the Milan Puskar Stadium campus.

WVU Medicine employees are encouraged to review the WVU policy, as well as the WVU Medicine policy, as both will be strictly enforced.

WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals went tobacco- and smoke-free in 2009. View Policy VI.025 (Tobacco/Smoking-Free Campus Policy). This policy applies to all WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals facilities, as well as parking lots and garages.

The WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals Tobacco/Smoking-Free Campus Policy is currently being reviewed and updated; it’s expected that the policy will be finalized in early fall. Significant policy changes are expected, including that employees will no longer be able to use tobacco in their enclosed vehicles when parked in a WVU Medicine parking lot.

Employees are also reminded of Policy V.250S (Dress and Appearance Policy), which states that employees should “avoid strong perfume and cigarette odor since some patients and staff members may be sensitive.”

WVU Medicine has an obligation to provide a healthy, tobacco- and smoke-free environment for patients, visitors, faculty, staff, and students.

While WVU and WVU Medicine Security officers will continue to enforce the policies, employees are reminded that it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure compliance.

Once the updated WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals Tobacco/Smoke-Free Campus Policy is rolled out, failure to comply will result in progressive disciplinary action per Policy V.230S (Corrective Action and Discharge Policy).

For those looking to stop smoking, WVU Medicine offers a six-week “Breathe Well, Live Well” smoking cessation program. There is no cost to participate, and the next class starts on Monday, Aug. 5. For more information, call 304-598-4000, ext. 72038, or send email to piechowskik@wvumedicine.org.

For WVU Medicine benefit-eligible employees, cessation services are available through West Virginia Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s “Blues on Call” program. Call 1-888-258-3428 for details.