Letters to the Editor, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
5:59 am Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Thanks to Russellville Hospital

I am grateful to the leaders at Russellville Hospital for considering the health of their employees, patients and visitors in enacting a 100-percent tobacco-free policy.

The new rules will prohibit the use of any form of tobacco inside or outside on hospital property.

Personally, I think it’s much needed, and I hope other healthcare institutions and communities take their own steps toward implementing tobacco-free policies.

We know tobacco use is a scourge on the health of our state. Years of research has shown that tobacco products are not safe.

They cause lung and other cancers, heart disease and stroke, and a whole host of other illnesses. The U.S. Surgeon General has said that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Still, thousands of Alabamans die every year from exposure to secondhand smoke, and thousands more die as a result of their own smoking.

Additionally, 10,000 kids under 18 become daily smokers every year. Treating people with tobacco-related illnesses costs our state millions in health care costs every year.

I support Russellville Hospital’s decision because of my own experience as a cancer survivor.

I am not only a cancer survivor concerned about my health, I am an ex-smoker, and the daughter of a man who died to early from emphysema caused by smoking.

I know first-hand what tobacco can do to your health and your loved ones.

Thank you, Russellville Hospital for taking this important step.

 

 

 Belinda Johnson

 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer

Russellville

Also on Franklin County Times
Russellville Hospital celebrates 50 years of care
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Russellville Hospital marked 50 years of service with a celebration Friday honoring its history, staff and continued commitment to cari...
Conduct policy set for youth sports
Main, News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RED BAY — City leaders have adopted new behavior standards for youth sports, approving a policy that outlines how coaches, parents and spectators are ...
Derrick: Spend the moments you have with your family
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — In August 2018, Marcy Derrick learned she had breast cancer. She works as a buyer in manufacturing, sourcing parts and supplies to keep...
East Franklin Junior High holds fall festival
News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL -- East Franklin Junior High celebrated fall with its annual fall festival. Activities included games, food, fun and prizes. Freshman El...
Truancy affects student success long-term
Columnists, Opinion
October 22, 2025
Behind every struggling student, there’s often a family that needs support. Truancy — unexcused absences from school — can range from occasional misse...
How we can address gun violence together
Columnists, Opinion
October 22, 2025
As Montgomery continues to process the recent gun violence tragedy and many offer their thoughts and prayers, as a state lawmaker, I want to contribut...
October is optimal time to get flu vaccine
News, Russellville
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Flu shots are expected to be available in abundance, and this is the best time of the year to get them, officials said. “Flu shots shou...
Service dog helps mom manage dysautonomia
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — For years, Anna Mosley didn’t understand the complications she experienced. She fainted in middle school, often felt light-headed and f...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *