Barton Hospital Now Smoke Free; 8 Week Smoking Cessation Class Offered

Starting April 1, all Barton Health buildings became smoke free. The smoking and tobacco ban includes all Barton Health facilities, parking lots, grounds, and Barton Memorial Hospital. All patients, visitors, medical staff, vendors, and employees will not be allowed to smoke at Barton. This includes the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, marijuana smoking, and smoke-free tobacco products such as chewing tobacco. The one exception will be for the two current patients at the Skilled Nursing Center who smoke. No further smoking patients for the center will be accepted.

To celebrate going smoke-free, Barton employees and physicians will pick up cigarette butts and other refuse around the Barton grounds when the snow clears. Clean Tahoe has provided bags, gloves, and trash grabbers.

“We see Barton’s decision to go smoke-free as a community effort. The hope is to provide everyone with a healthy and safe environment,” says Dr. Clint Purvance, Barton’s Chief Medical Officer. “It also shows our commitment to wellness and disease prevention for our patients, staff, and community.”

To inform the public of this change, Barton has posted signage and flyers in and around the hospital and physician offices. Mint stations were set up to encourage people who smoke to find alternatives and “Enjoy a Breath of Fresh Air.” Nicorette gum and nicotine patches will be available for purchase in the Hospital gift shop.

In order to help staff and community members stop smoking, Barton Health is offering an eight week long clinic. "Freedom From Smoking" is the premier smoking cessation program from the American Lung Association. It helps you develop a plan of action that leads to your quit day. You’ll receive the support you need to remain smoke-free for life!

It will be held at Barton University located at 1111 Emerald Bay Road, Room #101 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on April 3, 10, 17, 24, 28, May 1, 8 and 15. Barton Employees are free unless they do not complete the course, in which case they'll be charged $150. Community members are charged $75. For more information, contact Gina Morros at 530-543-5882 or by email at gmorros@bartonhealth.org.