CJW Medical Center is banning smoking on its campuses -- inside buildings and outside on campus grounds.

Smoking has been banned inside buildings on the Johnston-Willis and Chippenham campuses for some time, but there have been designated smoking areas outside.

As of Nov. 20, use of all tobacco products will be banned campuswide.

"This policy change supports our hospital's core mission of providing quality care and improving the health status of our community," Peter Marmerstein, chief executive officer of CJW Medical Center, said in a statement.

CJW offers free support groups and classes for employees who want to quit smoking. Employees also will be able to get a 15 percent to 20 percent discount on smoking-cessation supplies purchased at Walgreen's pharmacies on the CJW campuses. CJW is owned by HCA Inc. and other HCA hospitals in the area may adopt similar policies, a spokeswoman said.

Smoking policies at area hospitals vary.

All Bon Secours hospitals and facilities are nonsmoking, but there are designated smoking areas outside each facility, a spokeswoman said.

At VCU Medical Center, smoking is prohibited in all buildings, vehicles and leased space. Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside.

People who want help to quit smoking can call the American Cancer Society's Quitline, a free telephone-based counseling program, at (800) 227-2345.
Contact Tammie Smith at (804) 649-6572 or TLsmith@timesdispatch.com.