Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.
Tobacco-Free | Living the Legacy
Ochsner Health is tobacco free at all locations and promotes tobacco-free environments in the communities we serve, living the legacy of our co-founder, Dr. Alton Ochsner.
Dr. Alton Ochsner’s Legacy
In 1939, Dr. Alton Ochsner was among the first to find that smoking could cause lung cancer. He spent the rest of his life teaching people about the dangers of smoking.
“In our opinion the increase in smoke with the universal custom of inhaling is probably a responsible factor (in the increase in pulmonary carcinoma), as the inhaled smoke, constantly repeated over a long period of time, undoubtedly is a source of chronic irritation to the bronchial mucosa."
- Alton Ochsner, MD, and Michael DeBakey, MD, 1939
In 1939, Drs. Alton Ochsner and Michael DeBakey wrote an important paper that connected smoking to lung cancer. At that time, the idea that lung cancer cases were rising was a hot topic. Many doctors didn’t believe the growing evidence.
Dr. Ochsner noticed more lung cancer patients in his operating room, and many of them smoked a lot. His research focused on proving the connection between smoking and lung cancer, treating it, and finding a cure.
For a long time, other doctors made fun of his research, calling it pure guessing. But he was right. His biggest achievement may be his efforts to warn people about the dangers of smoking.
Ochsner Health's commitment to tobacco-free environments
Ochsner’s "Living the Legacy" program is inspired by Dr. Ochsner's important work and research. All Ochsner Health facilities do not allow tobacco, honoring Dr. Ochsner and making sure patients have a safe place to heal.
As a leader in healthcare, Ochsner believes in setting high standards for good health and care. We don’t just talk about healthy lifestyles; we live them. Research even shows that 75% of diseases are linked to how we live. Ochsner has been tobacco-free since 2011 and supports others, like schools and businesses, in their smoke-free efforts. We are proud that the city of New Orleans adopted a smoke-free ordinance in 2015, prohibiting smoking in all enclosed public spaces, including bars and casinos, which were previously exempt. Ochsner also offers Smoking Cessation Clinics to help people stop smoking, providing free or low-cost help and medications.
Institute for Wellness and Health Policy
The Institute for Wellness and Health Policy at Ochsner Health was created to teach and motivate people to live healthier lives. It also offers affordable ways for individuals to take charge of their own health.
The Institute focuses on three main areas: tobacco, diet and lack of exercise. Here's how we work on these:
- Education: We teach patients, the community and leaders about the risks of tobacco, and why a healthy diet and staying active are important.
- Advocacy: We support rules and policies that help lower tobacco use, obesity and inactivity.
- Resource: We bring together people and partners who want to help with these efforts.
For more information, email tobaccofree@ochsner.org or wellnessinstitute@ochsner.org
Not sure where to begin your tobacco-free journey?
Here are a few places to begin your tobacco-free journey:
