375th Medical Group going tobacco-free on property Published Aug. 29, 2012 By Heather Braundmeier 375th Medical Group SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Military treatment facilities across the entire Air Force are becoming tobacco-free, and the 375th Medical Group here has selected Nov. 15 to officially become tobacco-free across its entire campus. Countless studies have determined the use of tobacco to be a leading contributing factor toward the prevalence of illness and disease in the United States. The new tobacco-free campus policy is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, reduce the incidence of disease, and establish the Medical Group as a role model for others to follow. The prohibition applies to smoking and non-smoking forms of tobacco and to e-cigarettes at any location within the campus boundaries, to include parking lots, sidewalks, streets, and adjacent grassy areas. Neither staff nor visitors will be allowed to use these products on the campus. The 375th Medical Group has intentionally chosen the November implementation date to coincide with the start of the nation's "Great American Smoke-Out" campaign and to give current tobacco users an opportunity to enroll and succeed in cessation programs. The medical staff at Scott fully appreciates the challenges that accompany a tobacco user's attempts to quit and is fully committed to helping people stop using one of the most addictive substances in widespread use today. The Health and Wellness Center provides valuable classes and resources on tobacco cessation and smoking prevention programs. For more information contact the HAWC staff at 256-7139 or consult with your Primary Care Manager.