Patients, visitors, and employees will begin breathing a little easier starting November 15, 2007, when LRHS joins other community partners in becoming 100 percent smoke free on all campuses, inside and out.

Joining in the healthy commitment is St. Anthony Memorial in Michigan City. The La Porte Community School Corporation became smoke free in March.

“The driving force to become a smoke free campus is based on the overwhelming social and scientific evidence that smoking and second-hand smoke are harmful. As a healthcare organization committed to improving the health and well being of the community, we choose to recognize this and create a healthier environment for all who enter our properties,” said Mike Haley, president and CEO, LRHS.

A variety of support elements is in place, including FREE tobacco cessation classes. For a complete list of resources, scroll down this page or call (219) 326-2480.

Inpatients
At La Porte Hospital, an educator visits all patients who use tobacco in the hospital and provides education based on where the person is in the quitting process. In addition, schedulers who register patients for procedures will soon begin reminding patients that they will not be able to smoke while on LRHS grounds, and will provide them with information on how to stop or get support while they are here.

Visitors
Those visiting LRHS and its properties — including the La Porte Regional Physician Network offices throughout the community — will begin seeing signage reminding them of the smoke free campus status. Visitors who smoke on grounds will be gently reminded by LRHS staff that smoking is not permitted, and offered information on where to seek short and long-term support.

Employees
Any previously designated staff smoking areas outside will be posted non-smoking. Staff will not be able to smoke on hospital properties, and employees have been encouraged to take advantage of resources.

"So many people we talk to who have stopped using tobacco feel better and can breathe better. Their sensations of taste and smell are better. We are confident that those who wish to quit can do it, and we're ready to help them full force,” said Lynn Zeiler, a certified intrinsic coach who teaches the tobacco cessation classes.

Tobacco Cessation Resources
We have a variety of ways to help you stop using tobacco!
Always check with your healthcare provider before taking new over-the-counter medicines or supplements.

Wellness Resource Center at the The Crossing of La Porte Hospital — call (219) 326-2480
• Free tobacco cessation classes
• Intrinsic coaching program
• Acupuncture
• Guided imagery CDs

Available over the counte at local pharmacies
• Commit lozenges, 2 mg or 4 mg

Other options online or locally — call Lynn Zeiler at the Wellness Resource Center — (219) 326-2474
• Laser treatments
• Smoke signals
• Hypnosis
• 1-800-QUIT-NOW (Indiana Tobacco Quit Line)

(Must be on LRHS employee insurance prescription plan to use LRHS pharmacy)
Over-the-counter options at LRHS pharmacy —
call (219) 326-2557
• Nicotine gum, 2 mg or 4 mg
• Nicotine patch, 7 mg, 14 mg, or 21 mg

By prescription only — talk to your doctor
• Nicotrol inhaler, 10 mg
• Nicotrol nasal spray, 10 mg/ml
• Budaprion SR and Buproprion
• Chantix, any strength