Local hospital going smoke-free

On Sept. 1, Southeast Missouri Hospital will no longer allow smoking in or outside of its buildings.

From that date on, smoking will be prohibited for patients, employees and visitors within the buildings or on the grounds of Southeast Missouri Hospital and its leased buildings. All other tobacco products will be similarly banned.

"In keeping with our mission to improve the health of those we serve, not only patients, their families and visitors, but also those who work with us, it is our responsibility to take a leadership role on this important public health issue," said Southeast president and CEO James Wente in a statement.

The hospital's board of trustees endorsed the move Tuesday. The interiors of all hospital buildings were made smoke-free in 1993.

Hospitals in Marshall, Jefferson City, and SSM Health Care in St. Louis all maintain smoke free campuses.

"Creating a tobacco free environment is the right thing to do," said Wente.