NEW MARTINSVILLE, W.Va. -- Wetzel County Hospital is joining at least nine other hospitals across West Virginia in making its medical campus smoke-free.

The change is effective Jan. 1, when no tobacco will be allowed inside or outside. Current smoking areas will be eliminated.

The Board of Directors approved the change in September. The board said Wednesday it knows the decision will be difficult for some patients, visitors and staff.

But CEO George Couch says the hospital must be a leader.

He says poor health habits and smoking contribute to high rates of disease, high health care costs and premature death. On average, Couch says, 11 West Virginians die every day from smoking.

A similar tobacco ban went into effect Thursday at Weirton Medical Center and its satellite campuses.

NEW MARTINSVILLE, W.Va. -- Wetzel County Hospital is joining at least nine other hospitals across West Virginia in making its medical campus smoke-free.

The change is effective Jan. 1, when no tobacco will be allowed inside or outside. Current smoking areas will be eliminated.

The Board of Directors approved the change in September. The board said Wednesday it knows the decision will be difficult for some patients, visitors and staff.

But CEO George Couch says the hospital must be a leader.

He says poor health habits and smoking contribute to high rates of disease, high health care costs and premature death. On average, Couch says, 11 West Virginians die every day from smoking.

A similar tobacco ban went into effect Thursday at Weirton Medical Center and its satellite campuses.