Our group went to Florida Hospital on Fletcher Ave. We placed our “This is public health” sticker on a sign that read “Our hospital is a tobacco free campus.”  We chose the hospital because people go there for emergency services, but do not realize that public health is working there as well. The signs were strategically placed around the hospital. Anyone entering or leaving the hospital could not miss the signs. We choose this location because hospitals play a major role in keeping the community healthy. Public health focuses on prevention of disease within populations. Even though the hospital focuses on individual medical care, these signs show that public health is still a concern on their property. By having a no-tobacco campus, the hospital is providing clean air for its patients, guests, and employees by reducing second hand smoke. The signs also show that the hospital is taking a stand against tobacco and its negative side effects, even though people won’t admit to its negative consequences.

      The signs represent a public health issue because roughly 1 out of 5 people die from cigarette smoking each year. Even the college campus has become smoke free except for designated areas. These changes have come after restaurants also have changed to tobacco-free environments, for the better of the population. Tobacco use does not only affect those who smoke, it affects everyone around them through second hand smoking. Having tobacco-free public areas is a step toward a healthier community and population overall. These signs are a small step to making Tampa and its residents healthier and more knowledgeable about tobacco.

Denise, Marissa, Jessie & Josh.