Skip to main content

Tobacco Recovery and Wellness Policy

The Northeast Community Center for Behavioral Health (NECCBH) is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment and in promoting the health and wellbeing of its clients, employees and visitors.  As mandated by Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia laws, and also motivated by our desire to provide a healthy work environment, the following smoking policy has been adopted. 

POLICY

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, tobacco is the largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States.  The Northeast Community Center for Behavioral Health (NECCBH) is committed to helping individuals live a healthy life, thus designating NECCBH’s Orleans Building, Residential Programs, Outpatient Programs, Blended Case Management Program, Community Integrated Recovery Centers, Early Intervention Programs and the Peter Bressi Senior Center tobacco free.

Tobacco-free is defined as the physical space in which all tobacco and tobacco related products are prohibited from use.  Tobacco related products include: cigarettes, pipes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, chewing tobacco, or other smoking products or materials, including smokeless tobacco in any form.

Upon intake at the Orleans Building, enrollment in the Early Intervention Program, the Senior Center, and new employment, NECCBH will provide individuals with educational materials, support, and resources to promote health and wellness for a tobacco-free environment.  Resources and support will be available throughout employment and treatment to assist any individual who returns to tobacco use. Clinical interventions will be provided, when appropriate, to individuals served and/or referrals for smoking cessation treatment.

PROGRAM LOCATIONS

Orleans Building (Main Office)

4641 Roosevelt Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19124

Blended Case Management

Main Office:  4641 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19124

Satellite Office:   5700 N. 11th Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19141

Children & Youth Services

7226 Castor Avenue, 2nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19149

Community Living Arrangement (CLA)

Regency Park Apts., 800 Cottman Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19111

Community Lodge Program (CLP)

Franklin Square Townhomes, 3850 Woodhaven Road

Philadelphia, PA 19154

Community Residential Rehabilitation Services (MAX Care)

Boulevard Gardens, 4860 Roosevelt Boulevard

Philadelphia, PA 19124

Community Residential Rehabilitation Services (MOD Care)

Franklin Square Townhomes, 3850 Woodhaven Road

Philadelphia, PA 19154

Friends Helping Friends (CIRC)

4371 Waln Street

Philadelphia, PA 19124

Friends With Friends (CIRC)

Levy Building, 1527-29 Overington Street

Philadelphia, PA 19124

Peter Bressi Senior Center

4744 Frankford Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19124

Early Intervention Program (TLC)

900 E. Howell Street

Philadelphia, PA 19149

Early Intervention Program (TLC TOO)

5700 N. 11th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19141

Early Intervention Program (NEGD)

7226 Castor Avenue, 1st Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19149

PROCEDURES

A. All individuals, including employees, potential employees, volunteers, and individuals served will be informed that NECCBH Orleans Building, Residential Programs, Outpatient Programs, Blended Case Management Program, Community Integrated Recovery Centers, Early Intervention Programs and the Peter Bressi Senior Center locations, and NECCBH owned vehicles are tobacco-free.

B. NECCBH’s Orleans Building will have prominent tobacco-free signage posted on the grounds.

C. Tobacco use is prohibited within twenty feet of the defined program building.

D. All individuals will be informed and have access to a written copy of this policy and the policy will be posted on NECCBH’s Website.

E. Staff are responsible to adhere to the guidelines outlined in this policy, and failure to adhere will result in disciplinary action.

F. Staff are responsible to inform the individuals they are serving that NECCBH’s Orleans Building, Residential Programs, Outpatient Programs, Blended Case Management Program, Community Integrated Recovery Centers, Early Intervention Programs and the Peter Bressi Senior Center are tobacco-free.

G. The Human Resources (HR) Department will be responsible to inform new hires, potential new hires, and volunteers of the Tobacco-Free Policy.

  1. The Human Resources Department will reiterate NECCBH’s Orleans Building, Residential Programs, Outpatient Programs, Blended Case Management Program, Community Integrated Recovery Centers, Early Intervention Programs and the Peter Bressi Senior Center are tobacco-free during orientation, sharing a copy of this policy effective 1/1/20.  A printable copy is also posted on NECCBH’s Website.
  2. The Human Resources Department will provide employee benefit information regarding smoking cessation supports to all current staff by 1/1/20.  Effective 1/1/20, Human Resources will provide the smoking cessation support information and resources at orientation. Smoking cessation support information and resources is available upon staff request.  Smoking cessation support information will include:
  • PA Free Quitline (800-784-8669) contact information
  • Tobacco-free resources from NECCBH’s Health Insurance Carrier
  • Community-based self-help groups
  • Referral to his/her primary care physician to explore pharmacotherapy interventions

H. For all new individuals served coming through NECCBH’s centralized intake, the Residential Programs, Outpatient Programs, Blended Case Management Program, Community Integrated Recovery Centers, Early Intervention Programs and the Peter Bressi Senior Center, (s)he will be informed of this policy and screened for a history of tobacco use.

  1. Services will address tobacco use; resources and interventions will be provided to assist with quitting smoking.
  2. Individuals served in violation of this policy will be provided additional treatment, counseling, and/or resource support by his/her treating staff.

I. Over-the-counter or prescribed FDA approved nicotine replacement products are permitted for use at NECCBH Orleans Building, Residential Programs, Outpatient Programs, Blended Case Management Program, Community Integrated Recovery Centers, Early Intervention Programs and the Peter Bressi Senior Center, which may include:  FDA approved patches, gum, lozenges, prescribed inhalers and/or nasal spray.

J. The NECCBH will participate in the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Nicotine Addiction Organizational Change Study and implement knowledge gained from the study to promote tobacco recovery and wellness interventions for current and future staff and clients.

K. No tobacco products will be used, sold, or bartered on the grounds defined above.

L. The Director of Intake/Compliance Officer upon clinical intake and annually is responsible to ensure individuals served are routinely screened, diagnosed, and treated for tobacco use and dependence.

M. Program Administrators and Directors will review issues related to tobacco recovery and wellness implementation in the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC), Performance Improvement Committee, Medical Review Committee and staff meetings.