Blood Bank of Delmarva Goes "Smoke-Free"
Blood Bank of Delmarva is following the local and national trend of health care organizations going "smoke-free." As of January 1, 2008, a smoking ban is in effect at all Blood Bank locations. This includes all donor centers, vehicles, Bloodmobiles, and parking lots. It also includes personal cars in Blood Bank parking lots and other facilities used by the Blood Bank as work areas.
"The new policy is expected to help enhance the appearance and environment of our buildings and grounds, as well as improve the health of Blood Bank employees," said Penny Davis, Blood Bank director of Human Resources. "As a health-related organization, we are excited to take this important step toward promoting and encouraging healthy lifestyles throughout our community."
According to the American Lung Association, tobacco remains the number one preventable cause of death in the United States. Diseases related to tobacco kill more than 438,000 Americans each year.
The Blood Bank Human Resources department first announced the smoking ban in October and began offering employees information and referrals to quit smoking. So far, many employees have taken advantage of these resources.
For more information, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8.
