Working to create comprehensive tobacco-related policies at hospitals in New York City and Boston

The Health Departments in Boston and New York City (NYC) have created programs to support the development of comprehensive tobacco-free policies and to support employee and patient cessation efforts. Hospitals are a major employer in both cities and have millions of patients and visitors pass through their doors each year. Federal health care reform is pushing for an increase in preventive health care services, and tobacco is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. Hospitals are well positioned to create healthier environments for their employees and patients. In order to support efforts to upgrade their tobacco-related policies, services are being provided by the NYC and Boston Health Departments to hospitals in their respective jurisdictions. Both health departments are providing assessment tools for hospitals to gather baseline information related to their environmental and campus policies and their smoking cessation services for employees and patients. After an initial assessment has been completed, tools and resources are being provided to facilitate improvements related to hospital employment policies, employee wellness offerings and patient care systems. The health departments are supporting efforts to share best practices and success stories among hospitals. Participating hospitals are finding ways to decrease health care costs and improve employee health and productivity. They are also succeeding in aligning their patient care with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Meaningful Use and The Joint Commission tobacco standards to gain incentive payments and provide high quality care.