Frequently Asked Questions

Q     Why did the MCG Enterprise become a Tobacco Free Campus?

A     As Georgia’s only health sciences university and the CSRA’s only academic medical center, our mission is to improve health and reduce the burden of illness in society.  By undertaking this initiative, MCG and its related entities join numerous educational and health care facilities across the state and nation in protecting our employees, patients and visitors from exposure to secondhand smoke. This is an important step in fulfilling our role as healthcare leader in Georgia.

Q     When does the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy start?

A     November 15, 2007

 

Q     Whom does this policy affect?

A     Faculty, employees, students, contractors, vendors, patients and campus visitors and all others must abide by the policy.

 

Q     Do employees have to quit smoking or using other forms of tobacco?

A     No. The policy stipulates that no one can use tobacco products at any time on MCG Enterprise property (even in personal vehicles). Employees are not required to stop using tobacco as long as they do so off campus.

 

Q     How will the new policy be enforced?

A     Signage will be placed in strategically located areas. All MCG Enterprise employees have a responsibility to notify offenders of the Tobacco Free Policy.

If violators refuse to adhere to the policy, MCG Public Safety or MCGHI Safety & Security can be contacted to assist in ensuring compliance.

MCG Enterprise employees who violate the policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by their organization, up to and including dismissal.

 

Q     Can I smoke in my privately owned vehicle?

A     Not on MCG property.  Parking lots and decks owned by the MCG Enterprise are included in the policy.

 

Q     Who developed the policy?

A    A task force of more than 40 representatives of the Medical College of Georgia, MCG Health Inc., and Physicians Practice Group gathered benchmarking information and surveyed on-campus audiences, patients and visitors before writing the policy, which has been approved by the MCG Enterprise leadership.

 

Q     Where can I go for help to fight my tobacco addiction?

A     The MCG Nursing Faculty Practice Group offers tobacco cessation assistance. Call 706-721-8224 or e-mail Sharon Bennett at sbennett@mcg.edu for more information.