DDES Memo Series
2005-06
May 20, 2005
STATE OF WISCONSIN
Department of Health and Family Services
Division of Disability and Elder Services
To:
Area Administrators/Area Coordinators
County Departments of Human Services Directors
County Departments of Social Services Directors
County Departments of Community Program Directors
County Mental Health and AODA Coordinators
County Developmental Disability and Long Term Care Coordinators
CSP Directors and CSP Coordinators
ISP Directors and Coordinators
Mental Health Association of Milwaukee
Mental Health Consumer Organizations
NAMI Wisconsin and Local Chapters
State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse
Tribal Chairpersons/Human Services Facilitators
Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy
Wisconsin Council on Mental Health
Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities
Wisconsin Family Ties
From: Sinikka Santala
Administrator
Re: Tobacco Free Facilities
Document Summary
This
Numbered Memo delineates the tobacco free policy for all DDES facilities
which becomes effective 10/03/05. It
provides notice to all elements of the system that have contact with the
facilities that no tobacco products usage will be allowed anywhere on
facilities grounds or buildings. It
serves as an advance and ongoing notice of this policy in order that all
who access and utilize the facilities will be informed.
I wish to take this opportunity to inform you that, effective October
3, 2005 use of all tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing
tobacco, and other smokeless tobaccos) is prohibited at any Division of
Disability and Elder Services facility (Mendota Mental Health Institute,
Winnebago Mental Health Institute, Wisconsin Resource Center, Sand Ridge
Secure Treatment Center, Northern Wisconsin Center, Central Wisconsin
Center, and Southern Wisconsin Center). This policy is being implemented
because of the damaging health effects of tobacco products and the cost
associated with treating those illnesses and to promote health and healthy
environments consistent with one of the missions of DHS
. This prohibition
extends to all buildings and grounds of each DDES facility. The
prohibition includes staff, patients/residents, visitors, renters,
vendors, and any other individuals on the grounds of any facility.
Enforcement of this policy will be consistent across all facilities.
Each of the facilities has launched a major effort to provide
information regarding effective interventions for tobacco
addiction/dependence in coordination with the University of Wisconsin
Medical School's Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention. Each
facility is expected to do an in depth assessment of all residents to
determine which residents use tobacco products. Evidence-based treatment
interventions will be offered to all residents who wish to work on
treating their addiction/dependence. These services will be offered to
current and future residents of our facilities.
I wish to note that the prohibition extends to all individuals who
access our facility campuses, including staff of other agencies, family,
visitors, vendors, renters, and any other individuals who may be on
campus. The prohibition is also campus wide meaning that no tobacco
products may be used on any part of a facility campus without exception.
Each facility will have signs in strategic locations informing all
individuals who access the grounds of the prohibition.
I ask that you inform all relevant individuals within your agencies of
this tobacco free policy in order that they are aware that use will be
prohibited. I would also ask all agencies who refer individuals to us for
services to inform these individuals and their guardians of the policy in
order that they are prepared to give up use of tobacco products during the
time they are residing at one of our facilities. Your assistance in
distributing this information to all relevant stakeholders and your
assistance in supporting our efforts will be greatly appreciated.
CENTRAL OFFICE CONTACT:
Rodney K. Miller, Ph.D.
Mental Health and Forensic Services Manager
Division of Disability and Elder Services
1 W. Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53707
608-266-2715
MEMO WEB SITE:
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/partners/local.htm
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