While hospitals are designed as places for medical treatment and healing, many North Carolina hospital campuses still permitted the use of tobacco until 2009. Today, thanks to the Healthy NC Hospitals Initiative, all acute care hospitals have 100 percent tobacco-free campus policies. That work is continuing now through a tobacco cessation system for patients, visitors and employees.
The initiative is also revolutionizing nutrition standards in hospital cafeterias and vending machines. A recent event in Charlotte, N.C., highlighted the “Red Apple” program by bringing together teams of hospital chefs in a day-long culinary competition.
