Correctional Facilities to be Tobacco-Free
Nova Scotia's correctional facilities will be tobacco-free on May 1, 200. The move to a tobacco-free environment was announced today by Justice Minister Michael Baker. It is designed to promote a healthier environment for both staff and offenders in the eight provincial facilities around the province.
The move to a tobacco-free environment will be gradual. The process will begin with volunteer cessation programs and specific living units throughout the institutions designated as smoke- free. Educational initiatives will be provided and offenders will be offered incentives, such as additional recreational opportunities and healthy snacks, to remain tobacco-free. As May 1 approaches, designated smoking areas will be restricted to offender living units.
"On this weedless Wednesday, we felt it appropriate to officially begin the move to tobacco-free facilities," said Mr. Baker. "We have a responsibility to provide a healthy living and working environment, and we take that obligation seriously."
Staff and offenders will have the opportunity to participate in a tobacco cessation program. The program is designed to help addicted persons cope with nicotine withdrawal on several fronts, incorporating teaching, support, stress management and nicotine- replacement therapies.
The program features an educational component that outlines health hazards associated with the direct and indirect use of tobacco. Tips on how to deal with nicotine withdrawal in a corrections setting will be provided, and peer support will help round out the program. Nicotine-replacement therapies -- such as medication, patches and gum -- will be offered in appropriate situations. Health-care staff will carefully assess offenders' needs and will consult institution physicians where appropriate. Nicotine-replacement products will be available free of charge for one month, and will subsequently be available for purchase. Psychological support and clinical intervention will be available as needed. Staff will be encouraged to discuss cessation aids with their family physicians.
Increased access to recreation and a variety of leisure-time activities may be made available to offenders. Nutritional supplements such as cold water, juice, carrot and celery sticks, along with popcorn will be made available during the early implementation. To discourage hoarding, cigarettes sales will be limited in early April before ceasing April 27. Enforcement of the tobacco-free policy begins on May 1.