Clear the Air

To view/download a printable version of the FAQ in Adobe .pdf format please click Clear the Air FAQ.

What is the Clear the Air campaign?

University Hospitals has launched the Clear the Air - Because Everyone's Health Matters initiative to improve the health of our patients and employees by declaring our Health System completely smoke-free, effective November 17, 2005, the date of the Great American Smokeout. This effort will ensure that the hospitals, facilities and properties of our Health System - including all parking lots, sidewalks and green space areas - are entirely smoke-free.

Why is UH implementing the Clear the Air policy?

In our role as a regional healthcare leader, UH has decided to implement the Clear the Air policy to underscore our commitment to improving the health of our employees and optimizing the healthcare experience for our patients.

How is the new policy different from our current policy?

Currently all UH buildings are smoke free, with smoking allowed in designated outdoor areas near sidewalks, parking lots and in smoking huts. Beginning November 17, smoking will not be allowed on the premises of any UH-owned buildings, including garages and parking lots. Existing smoking huts and designated smoking areas will be eliminated.

Where will the new smoke-free policy be implemented?

The new policy will affect the following UH wholly-owned locations:


Hospitals: University Hospitals Case Medical Center, UH Bedford Medical Center, UH Conneaut Medical Center (formerly Brown Memorial Hospital), UH Geauga Medical Center , UH Extended Care Campus (formerly Heather Hill Hospital), UH Geneva Medical Center, UH Richmond Medical Center


UH Outpatient Health Centers/Other Locations:
Bainbridge, Berea, Chagrin Highlands, Chesterland, Euclid, Madison, Mentor, Parkway (Beachwood), Rockside, Westlake, Foley Elderhealth Center at Fairhill Center for Aging, Landerbrook, Suburban, Willoughby, Rainbow Specialty Centers and Otis Moss, Jr., Qualchoice, University Hospitals Home Care Services and all University Hospitals Primary and Specialty Care Physician Offices.


What is being done between now and November 17 to help employees who smoke prepare for the new policy?

UH is providing an ongoing series of free, smoking cessation courses to our employees who smoke to help them achieve a healthier lifestyle and prepare for the upcoming change in policy. Cessation courses consist of four, 90-minute sessions by a trained smoking cessation facilitator.


Who is eligible to participate in the free, smoking cessation courses being offered throughout the Health System?

All full-time, part-time and PRN employees of UH will be eligible to participate in the cessation program at no cost. Case Western Reserve University Employees or outsourced employees who work in a UH facility on a regular basis may also enroll in a cessation course at a cost of $250 per person.


Are family members or friends eligible to participate in the smoking cessation program?
Family members or friends of UH employees may participate in a UH smoking cessation course at a cost of $100.


What nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) or materials will be provided to program participants?
UHHS employees who attend smoking cessation classes will be supplied with a free, one-month supply of the nicotine replacement patch. Family members or friends of UH employees and Case and outsourced employees may receive NRT at a discounted rate.


Are UH employees able to attend smoking cessations classes on work time?
Employees should attend classes outside of scheduled work time. If employees choose to participate in a smoking cessation course during their normal work hours, they should make arrangements with their manager to receive Paid Time Off (PTO).


Will employees be required to quit smoking?

No. UH employees, patients and visitors will not be required to quit smoking; they will be required to smoke away from UH-owned properties.


What action will be taken if employees continue to smoke on the premises of UH?

Employees who continue to smoke on UH premises will receive an initial verbal warning advising that they have broken the new smoke-free policy. After receiving a verbal warning, employees who persist in smoking on UH grounds will be counseled according to the organization's progressive corrective action policy.


How are we informing our patients of the change in policy?

Patients are learning about UH' plans to implement the Clear the Air policy through an extensive communications campaign featuring posters, banners, table tents and a variety of other materials that will be displayed at each UH facility. In addition, new and existing patients will be provided an overview of the new policy upon being admitted to a UH hospital or receiving treatment at our physicians offices or medical centers.


Whom should I contact for more information about the Clear the Air campaign or to register for a smoking cessation course?

For program and registration information, contact Julie Collins, Clear the Air Program Coordinator, at julie.collins@uhhospitals.org or at 216/844-3426.