PHILADELPHIA, September 26, 2011 – Albert Einstein Healthcare Network announced today that the Einstein at Elkins Park and MossRehab campus is implementing a tobacco-free policy beginning November 17, 2011.

Launched in conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, the policy will ban the use of cigarettes, cigars and all other types of tobacco anywhere on the Elkins Park campus – including parking lots, vehicles and sidewalks on or adjacent to Einstein’s property. The policy will not only apply to all employees, but also patients and visitors to the campus.

“We are committed to protecting our patients, employees and visitors from second-hand smoke and creating a place of healing and wellness,” said Ruth Lefton, Chief Operating Officer, MossRehab and Einstein at Elkins Park. “As healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to take a leadership role in this important issue and provide a healthy environment.”

Einstein will implement a series of communications, including signage and inserts in patient packets, to alert visitors and patients of the new tobacco-free policy.

The organization will be providing support to employees and patients who are affected by this policy. A team of physicians, nurses and pharmacists are currently working on plans to ease the transition for those who currently use tobacco products. Smoking cessation classes, nicotine replacement therapy and a variety of additional resources will be available throughout the fall.

For more information or to register for Einstein’s Quit Smoking for Life program, please call 215-456-6487.