By paNOW Staff

Smoke and tobacco-free policy coming to KTHR

Mar 29, 2011 | 12:55 PM

People looking to light up on Kelsey Trail Health Region properties will have to look elsewhere.

Region facilities, parking lots and grounds will become smoke and tobacco-free on Apr. 1.

“It is our hope that the implementation of the KTHR Tobacco Policy will lead to a significant reduction in the number of tobacco users within the region and a decrease in tobacco-related disease,” said Linda Barlow, Director Primary Health Care and co-chair KTHR Tobacco Policy Working Group, in a press release.

According to the region, more than 1,600 Saskatchewan residents die every year as a result of tobacco use. Issues associated with tobacco use are preventable and the region said it wants to play a role in reversing these statistics.

The policy is going into place to protect staff and the public from second-hand smoke and help reinforce the positive aspects of being tobacco free, the release said.

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In an effort to help the region’s patients, clients and staff with the transition, care nursing staff has taken cessation intervention training. Staff ais also being supported through one-time access to funding for tobacco cessation.

The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region has been smoke free since July 2008.

For more information people can contact the region’s addiction services at 752-8767.

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