DANVILLE — Provena United Samaritans Medical Center has not allowed smoking within the hospital or within 15 feet of its entrances for some time.

Now the medical center will become a tobacco-free campus on Nov. 19. The move is being made in conjunction with the annual American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout, according to a Provena press release.

With the implementation of this policy, the use of all tobacco products will not be allowed inside or outside on the campus, including the parking lots, or at any building owned, leased or operated by the hospital, to ensure a healthier environment.

"As a leader in the community, it is important for the residents to understand that we are committed to providing the healthiest environment possible for patients, visitors, physicians, volunteers and employees," said Mike Brown, president/CEO of Provena United Samaritans, said in the release.

“As a health care organization, we believe it’s important to lead by example. We want people to know when they step onto our campus, they are entering a healthy, healing environment.”

“With cardiovascular disease and cancer being the leading causes of mortality in this county, we need to do all we can to help our citizens reduce their risk for these conditions” said Linda Bolton, spokesperson for the Vermilion County Health Department. “The Health Department commends the medical center for taking this proactive stand in this important public health issue and contributing to the efforts to promote a smoke-free community.”

While the focus of the initiative is to provide a healthier environment for those at the hospital, it also is to assist those who are interested in leading a healthier lifestyle. The hospital is not asking tobacco users to stop using tobacco; it is simply requesting that tobacco products not be used on their property to maintain a healthy atmosphere for those in and around the hospital.

Research shows that stopping smoking can lengthen people’s lives. A 50-year study of more than 34,000 male doctors found that quitting by age 40 can add about nine years to a man’s life. Quitting by age 50 add about six years to his life expectancy. Further, secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in this country, killing about 65,000 nonsmokers in the U.S. each year. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including 69 that cause cancer. Secondhand smoke is proven to aggravate asthma and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in children and adults.

Medical experts recommend tobacco users try one of these methods:

-- Set a quit date, and ask your family and friends for their support.

-- Once you quit, use nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medicine to boost your chances of success. Withdrawal is usually at its worst within one to three weeks after quitting.

-- Avoid people and places that make you crave cigarettes.

-- Talk to your doctor for more suggestions to help you stick with your healthier lifestyle.

For more information on how to quit smoking or about smoking cessation classes contact the Vermilion County Health Department at 431.2662, http://www.vchd.org or call the American Cancer Society’s Quitline, (877) 584-7848.