In the spirit of the season, I'd like to share MHA's holiday card with you. As 2010 winds down, we are especially grateful to our member hospitals for their continued commitment to healing and service to all in their communities.
Wishing you a healthy and joyous new year.
Well, I took some heat when I announced recently that the Massachusetts Hospital Association, effective January 1, would no longer hire anyone who uses tobacco products. The Boston Globe sprung a "gotcha"' question on me, asking if I would hire two noted smokers - President Barack Obama or new House Speaker John Boehner. I said, if they smoke, they wouldn't be a good fit for MHA going forward under our new policy.
Well it turns out the question is moot - at least partly. The president, according to a recent article in the Washington Post, has quit the habit. He hasn't lit up in nine months. (No word yet on Mr. Boehner.)
Congratulations, Mr. President. You're setting a tremendous example for the millions of people who each day attempt to shake a very strong addiction. Your Surgeon General on December 9 issued the 30th tobacco-related report since 1964. This one notes: "There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Any exposure to tobacco smoke - even an occasional cigarette or exposure to secondhand smoke - is harmful."
Tobacco kills. Period.
MHA is doing its small part by focusing on new hires - our future family of workers - to let them know that engaging in the number one cause of preventable death just isn't acceptable.
As for the President, something tells me that come January 20, 2017 (or January 2013), he'll be busy doing what ex-Presidents do - writing memoirs, building a library, running a university, attempting to resolve crises around the globe.
But if he wants to come to Massachusetts to help us figure out global payments, accountable care organizations, reducing administrative costs, closing the MassHealth payment gap, and more, we'd be honored to offer him a job. How's Sr. V.P. sound?
