UPMC Horizon to become smoke free July 1

Farrell and Greenville, PA — UPMC Horizon, along with all other hospitals within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, will become a smoke-free facility on Sunday, July 1.

UPMC Horizon’s smoking policy is consistent with UPMC’s “Clean Air” policy, which prohibits smoking in any buildings, entranceways, passageways, and parking areas owned or leased by the hospital, including locations such as the Greenville and Shenango Valley campuses; the Womancare Center in Hermitage; Greenville Medical Center –UPMC, the Data Center, and the UPMC Horizon Wellness Center in Greenville; the UPMC Horizon Business Center in Transfer; the Park Medical Building and Green Street offices in Farrell; and all Community Medicine Inc. physician offices. The policy also applies to parked vehicles in the hospital parking lots.

Previously designated smoking areas, known as “smoking huts,” will be removed from both hospital campuses prior to July 1.

UPMC chose to go smoke-free because the system recognizes smoking as a major public health issue and, as one of the leading health care providers in the region, recognizes the need to protect the safety of its patients, visitors, and employees.

UPMC Horizon has been smoke-free within its facilities, with designated smoking areas outside the buildings, since 1996. The purpose of the smoke-free policy is to provide a healthy and safe environment, reduce the risks associated with secondhand smoke, reduce the risk of fire, and promote an environment of wellness and health.

Several other hospital systems in western Pennsylvania are adopting similar smoke-free policies, including West Penn Allegheny Health System in Allegheny County, Sharon Regional Health System in Mercer County, and Excela Health in Westmoreland County.

Contact: Erin Palko, public relations manager, 724-589-8107