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Smokers need not apply to St. Francis Medical Center

By Crystal Britt

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - One of the Heartland's biggest employers is taking a huge stand against tobacco use.

Starting January 1, St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau will no longer hire smokers.

Sandy Duncan, operations manager for Fitness Plus, said those who apply for jobs at St. Francis online will immediately be aware of the new policy. "There's going to be a statement that comes up that lets them know we don't hire current tobacco users," Duncan said.

Applicants will even have to be tested to remove all doubt as to whether or not they are smokers. Duncan said the examinations will likely be blood or urine tests, much like drug tests.

"There's a lot of pre-employment testing that takes place for any employee," Duncan said. "Smoking is not a protected class, and so it's perfectly legal for us to do that", said Duncan.

Duncan said current St. Francis employees who smoke will be able to keep their jobs. "We're not making them stop smoking and their jobs are not on the line", Duncan said. "We'll continue to provide support if they're ready to quit. We'll have the tools to help them do that."

Help will be available through things like cessation classes. "We have seen an increase already in employees getting involved", said Mary Jane Fieser-Tobacco Cessation Project Coordinator.

Fieser teaches that class. She says it's a six-to-seven week course.

"Right now we have a 49% success rate which compared to the statewide average of about 30% we're doing great," Fieser said.

It's an effort not all employees are embracing, but for ones like Keith Keller, it's encouraging.

"The more you see other people quitting around you, it gives you the incentive to want to quit," Keller said.

St. Francis Medical Center is not a smoke-free campus. However, it is a smoke-free facility, meaning smoking by guests and visitors is only allowed in designated areas.