VITALE APPLAUDS FIRST PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS FOR GOING SMOKE-FREE

Greystone and Ancora First to Implement New Smoke-Free Policies as a Result of Senator’s Law

TRENTON – Senator Joseph F. Vitale today applauded officials at Greystone Park and Ancora psychiatric hospitals for being the first in the State to implement smoke-free policies under a law sponsored by the Senator and signed by the Governor last year.

“By their nature, psychiatric hospitals exist to promote health and wellness of the mind, body and soul,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, and Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “Looking the other way while patients and employees light up seems contrary to the very mission of these facilities. I’m glad Greystone and Ancora are becoming the first smoke-free psychiatric hospitals in New Jersey, and I hope other facilities follow their lead.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale which would allow State psychiatric hospitals to ban on-campus smoking, as long as a smoking cessation program is offered for clients, patients and employees, was unanimously approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

            “Statistics have shown that the impact of cigarettes and nicotine at psychiatric facilities is higher for a number of reasons, including deeper inhalation, and the negative effect nicotine can have on psychotropic drugs,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, who chairs the panel.  “This legislation would send a clear message that we are dedicated to protecting the health of clients, patients and employees at these facilities.”

ADLER-TURNER-VITALE BILL BANNING SMOKING IN CASINOS ADVANCES

TRENTON - A bill sponsored by Senators John Adler, Shirley K. Turner and Joseph F. Vitale which would eliminate the smoking ban exemption for New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 35-0.

            TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Raymond J.