McMinnville—Yamhill Community Care Organization (Yamhill CCO) will transition to 100 percent tobacco-free and smoke-free facility and grounds, effective Jan. 1, 2015.
“We will also encourage medical, dental and behavioral health agencies contracted with Yamhill CCO to adopt a similar policy,” said Jim Carlough, CEO of the health care organization.
When the policy goes into effect, the use of tobacco in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes, will be prohibited in all interior and exterior spaces owned or wholly leased by Yamhill CCO. The same prohibition will be in effect for any contracted providers or agencies that choose to adopt the same or similar policy. Nicotine replacement therapy products approved by the Food and Drug Administration will be permitted.
The U.S. Surgeon General has determined the use of tobacco and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke are significant health hazards. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and a modifiable health risk factor responsible for much of the illness, suffering and early death related to chronic conditions. In Yamhill County, 19 percent of adults use tobacco and 63 percent report that they attempted to quit in the last year.
Through its strong community partnership, Yamhill CCO has received valuable support from Yamhill County Public Health, which has provided technical assistance, sample policies and additional resources to help establish 100 percent tobacco- and smoke-free campuses for Yamhill CCO.
“We decided to establish this policy now to coincide with the opening of our new administrative office,” Carlough said. In October, the organization’s administrative staff moved into this office, at 807 NE Third Street in McMinnville.
“The new tobacco-free and smoke-free policy will provide a healthy atmosphere to the people we serve and support people who want to quit,” said Dr. Jim Rickards, Yamhill CCO’s Health Strategy Officer. “As a health care organization serving Medicaid members in Yamhill County, we strive to continually work together to improve the quality of life and health of our members, employees and volunteers. Adopting a tobacco-free and smoke-free policy is an example of this commitment.”
For those interested in quitting tobacco, the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line provides free counseling, nicotine replacement therapy and educational materials to all Oregonian residents, regardless of income, insurance status, or legal status. The quit line number is 1-800-QUIT-NOW (7848-669); and 1-855-DEJELO-YA (335 356-92) for Spanish; or visit www.quitnow.net/oregon for assistance.
For more information about this story, contact Dr. Jim Rickards, [email protected].
For more information about Yamhill Community Care Organization, contact Jim Carlough, [email protected].
