VAN NUYS : Salvation Army Sets Smoke-Free Policy

In keeping with its history of combatting addictions, the Salvation Army has declared that starting today its 26 adult rehabilitation centers in 13 Western states, including two in the San Fernando Valley, will be smoke-free.

Not only will the clients in the rehabilitation program be prohibited from smoking in the facilities, they will be expected to be nicotine-free altogether, according to Paul Delaney, director of Salvation Army rehabilitation services in Van Nuys.

“It’s a health issue,” said Delaney, noting that there are many instances in which a person will recover from drug or alcohol addiction, but end up dying from respiratory illnesses caused by smoking.

“People are saying it’s about time we embraced it,” Delaney said of the growing anti-smoking sentiment.

Stephan Hartt, administrator of the Van Nuys Adult Rehabilitation Center, said in a recent news release: “It is unconscionable to condone a habit more addictive than cocaine while helping men in the rehabilitation program overcome alcoholism and drug abuse.”

Hartt said that the Van Nuys center began the new year with a policy that there would be no smoking within the rehabilitation facilities by anyone enrolled in its programs or on staff.

The response to the no-smoking policy has been mixed, Hartt said. “Some give up smoking, but some have had difficulty and left the program.”

To help clients in the rehabilitation program break their smoking habits, the centers offer Nicotine Anonymous meetings and smoking cessation groups, as well as educational materials provided by the American Cancer Society.

The new no-smoking policy also applies to the Salvation Army’s rehabilitation center in Canoga Park.