Tobacco-Free Workplace

Mississippi Children’s Home Services, Inc. (MCHS), as a member agency of the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA), has taken up the challenge as a result of a partnership between MHA, BlueCross BlueShield, and Information & Quality Healthcare to become a totally tobacco-free agency. This change took affect on July 1, 2007, and applies to all MCHS buildings (owned and leased), parking lots, and Agency vehicles.  All employees, clients, visitors, vendors, contractors, interns, and volunteers will be required to refrain from tobacco use during working hours or during any company-sponsored events.

Our primary mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment for our clients, staff, stakeholders, and the surrounding community, as well as to promote a culture of healthier living.  Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the United States.  It has been proven that second-hand smoke causes serious diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses, and that simply separating smokers from nonsmokers has not been shown to be an effective solution.  Therefore, MCHS would like to do its part to contribute to the health and well-being of the community within which it operates.  I know that all of you will help do your part to make our workplace a safe and healthy environment.

 For those individuals who would like information on becoming tobacco-free, please visit www.tobaccofreems.com or www.quitlinems.com.  If you prefer to call, the toll-free telephone number for the Tobacco Quitline is 1-800-244-9100.  For MCHS employees who would like information on tobacco cessation, please contact a representative of your Human Resources office for further information.  It’s not too late.  Please help us support the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi.