June 2009
Announcing *New* Coordinated Public Safety Plan
Keeping OHSU Tobacco-Free
OHSU is committed to sustaining a clean and tobacco-free environment. Since the tobacco-free policy went into effect in September 2007, we have reduced second-hand smoke on campus by 65 percent. However, some employees are continuing to smoke on campus, which models non-compliance of the policy for our patients and visitors as well.
To help improve compliance, OHSU Public Safety is beginning a new enforcement plan. Beginning July 13th, employees who are repeatedly observed by Public Safety officers to be smoking on the campus will be reported to their managers for follow-up (see Manager Guide). All employees can assist in these enforcement efforts by complying with the tobacco-free policy themselves, reminding our patients and visitors about the policy and contacting Public Safety at 4-7744 when they see repeated smoking in certain areas.
If you use tobacco and are ready to quit, OHSU offers free and low-cost resources to support you. If you are not ready to quit but want help to manage while you are at work, free coaching is available through Employee Wellness to help you come up with a plan.
For more information on sustaining a tobacco-free OHSU, including accessing the support resources, see the Tobacco-Free Employee Guide
Tobacco-Free materials available for ordering, printing and distribution by individual departments, units or employees:
- *New* Tobacco-Free Employee Guide Provides information on sustaining a tobacco-free OHSU, including accessing the support resources (download and print).
- *New* Tobacco-Free Manager Guide Provides information on the new Public Safety plan and the manager’s role in keeping OHSU tobacco-free (download and print).
- *Updated* patient packet inserts/fliers reminding OHSU patients, their families and visitors that OHSU is a tobacco-free environment (download and print). Clinic and hospital schedulers should include this insert in registration mailings to patients. Patient packet inserts/fliers are part of the Core Publications Program, and are available to OHSU medical practices and hospital units at no cost through the Logistics online catalog (Item no. 160189).
- *Updated* postcards can be handed to patients and visitors when they arrive at OHSU. Postcards are part of the Core Publications Program, and are available to OHSU medical practices and hospital units at no cost through the Logistics online catalog (download and print).
- Nicotine Support Pack Referral Card provides information about how visitors can manage their cravings while at OHSU. These cards are part of the Core Publications Program, and are available to OHSU medical practices and hospital units at no cost through the Logistics online catalog (Item no. 157312).
- "Is it time to quit smoking?" OHSU medical practices and hospital units may order this brochure "through the Logistics online catalog (Item no. 143481). This brochure is part of the Core Publications Program, and is available to clinical units at no cost.
On September 17, 2007 Oregon Health & Science University became a tobacco-free institution. We took this important step to create a healthier, more healing environment for our employees, students, patients and visitors. This site is intended to keep you informed about the initiative and provide you assistance and guidance in helping to support a tobacco-free OHSU. 
