King’s Daughters Medical Center has elected to join nearly 20other state hospitals in adopting a tobacco-free campus.

Alvin Hoover, KDMC’s chief executive officer, has designatedJan. 1 as the start date for the new policy.

“Our mission calls for us to improve the health of individualsand communities we serve and we believe that we have aresponsibility to take a leadership role on this major health issueand to promote a healthier environment,” Hoover said.

The ban is extended to all areas of the hospital’s campus.

“This initiative will also include the elimination of designatedareas outside of KDMC where employees, patients and visitorscurrently use tobacco products,” said JoAnna Sproles, a hospitalspokeswoman.

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