Tobacco Policy

When you visit an Essentia Health campus, you’ll likely notice signs prohibiting tobacco use. Our decision to say “no” to tobacco use is part of Essentia Health’s commitment to uphold healthy behaviors in the communities we serve.

Where is Tobacco Use Prohibited?

You’re not allowed to use tobacco in or on Essentia grounds whether you’re a patient, visitor, employee, contractor, or vendor. This includes:

• Buildings
• Outdoor spaces
• Parking areas
• Vehicles parked on our property
• Vehicles owned, leased or rented by Essentia
• Common area on grounds Essentia shares with another company

What Type of Tobacco is Prohibited?

All tobacco products are banned at Essentia facilities. This includes:

• Cigarettes
• Cigars
• Electronic cigarettes
• Pipes
• Smokeless tobacco (also known as snuff or chewing tobacco)

During Your Stay With Us

While you’re staying as a patient at an Essentia hospital, our Tobacco Treatment Program, will help you keep you comfortable with bedside support, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and more.

If you are ready to quit long term, we can get you started on a path to a tobacco free future. It’s a great way to improve your quality of life, and potentially peed your recovery.

When and Where is Tobacco Allowed?

If tobacco use is part of your religious practices, you may burn tobacco if you’re following our guidelines for religious and cultural practices.

If it’s allowed by the property owner, you can use tobacco in locations that are rented by Essentia. Examples include parking lots or outdoor areas.

Leaving Essentia Facilities to Use Tobacco

You’re discouraged from leaving Essentia facilities to use tobacco products while you’re a patient. If you choose to use tobacco, you will be doing so against your doctor’s medical advice.

Why Don’t We Allow Tobacco Use?

Studies show tobacco use is the top cause of preventable deaths nationwide. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services also says in its BeTobaccoFree.gov outreach:

• More than 16 million people have at least one condition caused by smoking.
• Since 1964, more than 20 million Americans have died from smoking. That includes 2.5 million deaths caused by secondhand smoke.
• Nine of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among American men and women.
• Smokeless tobacco contains 28 carcinogens and causes gum disease and tooth decay.
• Smokeless tobacco use increases pregnant women’s risks for preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth weight.
• Among men, smokeless tobacco use causes reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm cells.