The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS, Va. (VR) – Bath Community Hospital is proud to announce that as of January 1, 2026, our entire campus and all subsidiaries — including Bath Community Physicians Group clinics, Bath Community Rehab & Wellness, and Bath Community Pharmacy — are officially smoke-free, tobacco-free, and vapor-free.
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, patients, and visitors and covers all areas of the property, including buildings, grounds, sidewalks, parking lots, and vehicles. Nicotine or tobacco products may not be used anywhere on BCH property, with the exception of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) prescribed for cessation purposes. Visitors or staff who do not comply may be asked to leave the premises.
Why This Policy Matters
Smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year. More than 41,000 of these deaths result from exposure to secondhand smoke.
In Virginia:
-
About 10,300 adults die each year from smoking
-
1,600 non-smokers die annually due to secondhand smoke
-
6,900 children have lost a parent to smoking-related death
-
152,000 children living today are projected to die from smoking if current trends continue
The financial impact is substantial:
-
Annual healthcare costs directly caused by tobacco use are $3.61 billion in Virginia
-
State and federal taxes allocated to cover smoking-related costs average $861 per household
Support and Resources for Quitting
Quitting tobacco can be challenging, but help is available. Talking with your healthcare provider can unlock:
-
Personalized quit plans
-
Medication options to ease cravings
-
Quitlines and coaching resources
Benefits of quitting begin almost immediately, including:
-
Lower heart rate and blood pressure
-
Improved breathing and lung function
-
Enhanced taste and smell
-
Reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses
-
Significant cost savings
-
Protection for loved ones from secondhand smoke
Free Support Is Available
For free, confidential support, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit QuitNow.net/Virginia to speak with a trained quit coach. Coaches are available 24/7.
Bath Community Hospital encourages everyone to respect our new policy and join us in creating a healthier campus and community, across all facilities and subsidiaries.
