Another Nebraska hospital has gone completely tobacco-free, according to a statement released by Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital officials Thursday.

Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital has always encouraged its employees to observe The Great American Smokeout each November.

This year, MLMH marks the beginning of a whole new policy designed to promote healthy habits throughout the Hastings community.

As of Thursday, November 20th, the entire MLMH campus will become tobacco-free.

Smoking, or use of any tobacco products, will not be allowed in MLMH buildings or on the property surrounding the hospital.

The policy change affects all patients, visitors, employees and volunteers of MLMH.

The Smoking Hut, an outdoor building on the west side of the hospital where smoking had been allowed, will be removed from the premises at 3 p.m. Thursday to symbolize the change.

Signs stating the new tobacco-free policy also will be placed around the MLMH campus, on building doors and at the street entrances to the hospital.

Becky Sullivan, Business Health Coordinator at MLMH, coordinated the policy change over the past year.

In an effort to make the change easier for employees, Sullivan said, they were given opportunities to participate in two different tobacco cessation courses — one for individuals, the other for groups — during the past year.

These behavior change courses also are available to the public.

“As a hospital, we feel it’s our role to improve the health of the individuals and communities we serve. We believe that we have a responsibility to take a leadership role on this major health issue, and promote a healthier environment by becoming tobacco-free.”

Just as MLMH is using The Great American Smokeout as a new beginning, Sullivan said she hopes employees and community members will use the day to start working toward a tobacco-free, healthier future.