Omaha, Nebraska Starting October 1st, the VA Nebraska - Western Iowa Health Care System will become smoke free.
6 News reports that Director B. Don Burman has been working with veterans and employees ahead of the change.
“As the nation’s leader in Veteran health care, it is incumbent upon the VA to do everything within our power to ensure that we provide outstanding health care for our Veterans while also working with them to promote healthy lifestyle choices,” Burman said. “Studies have shown that the effects associated with smoking are a major risk factor to a Veteran’s health. Although we know that for some, kicking the smoking habit is extremely difficult, by becoming smoke-free and assisting our Veterans in stopping smoking, we will be able to get at one of the top issues affecting Veterans health.”
This applies for cigarettes, cigars, pipes and non-FDA approved electronic nicotine delivery systems including e-cigarettes, vape pens or e-cigars.