(Long Island, NY) Senator Jack M. Martins (R-C-I, Mineola) has announced the State Senate has passed legislation (S.1987-A) he sponsored that would prohibit smoking within fifteen feet of all general hospitals, residential health care facilities and other state licensed health care facilities.
“The facts are clear–secondhand smoke kills,” said Senator Martins. “Health care facilities are the places we go to get treatment, heal and recover from serious illnesses. They should not be the place where our health concerns start or are worsened.”
Senator Martins added, “Hospitals are also the places that should be setting the best example of positive health practices. Enacting this bill will protect those living in, working at and visiting these facilities from exposure to the dangers of secondhand smoke.”
Michael J. Dowling, President & CEO of North Shore-LIJ Hospital, said, “I applaud Senator Martins for his efforts to make healthcare facilities smoke free. It is consistent with the goals and practices of all North Shore-LIJ facilities.”
Dr. Alan D. Guerci, President & CEO of St. Francis Hospital, said, “Catholic Health Service of Long Island made all of its campuses smoke-free several years ago. We appreciate Senator Martins’ efforts to reduce the toll of death and disability from second-hand cigarette smoke.”
John F. Collins, President & CEO of Winthrop University Hospital, said, “Winthrop has maintained a smoke-free campus for many years because we know that smoking kills. At least 80% of lung cancer could be eliminated if people did not smoke. Secondhand smoke also poses a serious health risk. We fully support Senator Martins in his effort to protect the lives of the people of New York State.”
Nationwide, secondhand smoke has been linked to over 46,000 deaths annually from heart disease and 3,600 deaths from lung cancer in nonsmokers. Additionally, secondhand smoke is responsible for lung infections and ear infections in children, as well as the exacerbation of childhood asthma and hospitalizations related to all of these maladies.
Senator Martins added, “Smoking inside health care facilities is already prohibited under New York State law. In fact, the City of New York instituted a smoking ban within fifteen feet of hospital grounds, entrances and exits in 2009. In addition, over 100 hospitals in New York State have already voluntarily instituted such smoking bans. This legislation would fill the gap by creating one uniform standard on this policy statewide – everyone wins.”
The bill will be sent to the Governor.
