Giving up smoking in the new year - it’s a resolution for many; a reality at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Good Samaritan Health Systems has entirely banned tobacco on its properties. That means no cigarettes, cigars, pipes or chew. The change wasn’t an easy one for some.

Good Samaritan employee Jean Myers said she was “upset that someone was telling me what to do when it was my health.”

Myers said she had an expensive, but stable habit.
“I smoked about a pack a day,” she said. “If we were out somewhere, even two packs.” But
that all changed when the hospital announced its no smoking policy.

Timothy Ranney, Vice President for Good Samaritan Medical Affairs, said, “Good Sam supports healthy communities. This is a natural extension of that mission.”

Not only does the ban apply to the health system’s grounds. Its employees can count out a mid-day fix.

Ranney said, “We’ve made the policy such that if an employee is getting paid, that’s considered Good Samaritan time. So even if they’re off campus during paid time, they’re not supposed to be using tobacco.”

The policy appears to have changed the tune of some folks, even after 30 years with the habit.

Myers said, “I’m happy that was the push I needed.”

It also inspired others to push the ban beyond Good Sam.

Scott Sweet of Kearney said, “I think it’s a great idea. I think the whole city should follow suit.”

Reporter’s Notes by Crystal Calloway:

This could be the year the legislature passes a state-wide ban, and one that does not give cities the option to opt out.

The Associated Press conducted a poll in which about half the state senators who responded said they’d support such a bill.