After a six-month period of transitioning their smoking policies, Marshall Medical Center is set to go “smoke-free” on January 1, 2008. The policy change applies to visitors & employees at all of Marshall’s locations, including the main Marshall Hospital campus in Placerville. As of January 1, the only place that visitors and employees can smoke is inside the privacy of their own cars.

Since last June, Marshall has been enforcing a restricted smoking plan, allowing smoking in only designated smoking areas. A special team of Marshall employees has been evaluating progress and preparing for the next step. “We’ve been seeing a lot of cooperation and support from our visitors and employees,” reports Marshall Administrator James Whipple, adding that the change has prompted some employees to kick the habit for good. “This change is in line with providing a clean air environment, and many hospitals and medical centers are undergoing the same type of transition, in the interest of health.”

Marshall is continuing to add educational signs around its campuses to ensure visitors and employees are fully aware of the change.

There are many programs available to help those interested in quitting tobacco use, including smoking cessation classes at Marshall. “We want to thank everyone for their understanding and patience with this important change,” said Whipple. If you have questions regarding this new policy, please call (530) 626-2770 extension 2535. If you’re interested in smoking cessation classes through Marshall Health Promotions, call (530) 626-2990.