Smoking

At Elkhart General Hospital we’re committed to the health of our community. And we know that a smoke-free environment is cleaner and healthier for every person that visits our hospital. That’s why we’re asking that no tobacco products be used on the Elkhart General Hospital property or in any of its facilities. Please join us in this effort to make our hospital a safe place for our patients and employees alike.

Why has Elkhart General established a smoke-free campus?

Because smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States!

A significant number of people currently being cared for in this Hospital are here because of a smoking-related illness or because smoking has made their illness more serious. As the largest healthcare provider in Elkhart County , we feel a deep obligation to send a very clear message to our Community. It’s the same message that’s carried on a pack of cigarettes:

SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING:

Smoking causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, and May Complicate Pregnancy. Quitting smoking now greatly reduces serious risks to your health.

The Basics of Our Policy

No one is allowed to smoke inside the Hospital or its facilities or on Hospital property. A shelter for smoking is available directly across from the Rehabilitation Services Entrance. See the attached map for a description of Hospital boundaries. Patients desiring to smoke must sign a waiver that releases the Hospital from responsibility when the patient chooses to leave the Hospital to smoke. Waivers can be obtained from your caregiver.

If you violate our policy, Security Officers or other Elkhart General employees may approach you to explain the policy. Your cooperation is completely voluntary. If you find this policy inconvenient, we can only say that we would rather inconvenience you than support smoking or expose others to the dangers of secondary smoke. If you would like information about smoking cessation programs, please call (574) 523-3444.

Designated Smoking Areas

Smoking is prohibited in the buildings and on the campus of Elkhart General Hospital. If you must smoke, you will have to cross a street or walk over to McNaughton Park.

A shelter for smoking is located directly across from the Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Entrance (Please see map in PDF Library on right).