On February 21, 2006 the American Lung Association presented Westin Hotel & Resorts with a Lung Champion award recognizing the smoke-free environment that’s being created for its guests and employees. As of January 2006 Westin became the first major hotel brand, with 77 hotels in the United States and Canada, to go smoke-free throughout its hotels, including guestrooms. The American Lung Association Lung Champion award is given to individuals and businesses that demonstrate a priority in lung health.
“Our focus is on the welfare of our guests and providing an environment in which they and our associates can be personally renewed,” said Sue Brush, Senior Vice President of Westin Hotels & Resorts. “A smoke-free hotel is a response to the strong preferences of our guests. We are committed to offering them a healthy retreat from the rigors of the road, so it just makes sense to offer them the healthiest, cleanest environment possible so they can relax, renew and refresh. We’re honored that an organization the caliber of the American Lung Association recognizes this effort. We certainly applaud their efforts to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.”
Comprehensive state level smoke-free air laws have become more acceptable in the past few years banning smoking in public workplaces including restaurants and bars. This trend has slowly begun to shift towards industries not regulated by state laws such as the hospitality industry in an effort to further protect the health of all citizens.
“Westin Hotels & Resorts has truly taken initiative in passing this policy nationwide,” said John L. Kirkwood, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “They have recognized the importance of improving quality of life for their guests. We applaud them for going smoke-free and setting a high standard.”
Other past Lung Champion awardees include The Dr. Phil Show for their powerful segment focused on quitting smoking and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for working with families facing serious medical conditions to improve their home’s indoor air quality.
