Seven Richmond-area hospital campuses officially became 100 percent smoke-free Thursday.
Four Bon Secours hospitals and three Henrico Doctors' hospitals have now officially banned smoking inside and outside their facilities.
"We have a mandate to provide the healthiest environment possible for our patients, families and staff," said Henrico Doctors' Hospital CEO Patrick Farrell.
The American Lung Association lauded Henrico Doctors' decision to go smoke free. The American Cancer Society applauded Bon Secours efforts.
"Bon Secours is setting an excellent example for Richmond," said Keenan Caldwell, government relations director for the American Cancer Society.
Both hospital systems have long banned smoking inside their facilities. The new ban will now prohibit all smoking, inside or outside.
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