No more tobacco

Lighting up is now snuffed out at both Odessa hospitals.

Wednesday marked the first day Medical Center Hospital and Odessa Regional Medical Center have blocked smoking on hospital property, including parking lots. The change was made in conjunction with Midland Memorial Hospital and announced at the CEED building.

"This is a very significant step. It shows the hospitals as not only treating illness but saying here's another step we can take to prevent illness in the first place," American Cancer Society Chief Staff Officer for Health Initiatives Jay Goodman said.

He said it was remarkable to have three major medical centers come together to stop smoking by patients and employees. He said about one in five people die from smoking, and efforts like that of ORMC and MCH help to decrease the number who light up.

"It tends to increase the number who will quit while sending a message that it's critical," he said.

As part of the preparation for the change, Jacqui Gore with ORMC said a quit line was established to provide free patches, gum or other materials geared toward quitting.

Students from Odessa and Midland filled the stage as part of a Tobacco Twisters and Communities in Schools event. Cathy Harris with Region 18 said kids need to get the message early.

"We know they start early, so the sooner the message, the better," she said.

Incoming Permian senior Mark Garcia said he thought the change was important.

"We need to know that it's poison. I think it's a good thing," he said.

MCH CEO Bill Webster said the hospital took into consideration concerns from non-smokers and that's why the tobacco-free zone is so large.

"Non-smokers complained about having to walk the gauntlet of people smoking. It sends a message," he said.

SNUFFED OUT

>> Smoking is now not allowed at Medical Center Hospital, Odessa Regional Medical Center and Midland Memorial Hospital..

>> The ban includes all hospital properties, including clinics and parking lots.