“Now when I walk over to groups that are smoking, the air is heavy … I used to like this?”

To know how Jennifer Sumiel, a former 20-year smoker, came to this revelation, you must rewind back to November 20, 2008. On that day, The Memorial Hospital of Salem County became a tobacco-free campus as part of the “Great American Smokeout.”

“Before then, I would smoke a pack every couple days — I was a light smoker,” said Mrs. Sumiel, Cardiovascular Assistant, Cardio-Pulmonary Services.

“When it was nice I would go outside to the gazebos to smoke — unless it was cold. On cold days I would go all day without smoking, and then rush home. I couldn’t wait to light up a cigarette.”

Mrs. Sumiel explained that it wasn’t simply the taste or the rush. It was the way cigarettes made her feel.

“I liked smoking because I felt cool doing it,” said Mrs. Sumiel. “I really thought I looked good doing it.”

In the 20-year period that she smoked, she attempted to break free from her addiction.

 “I tried in the past to quit. But, 24 hours later, I found myself buying another pack,” said Mrs. Sumiel.

When she learned that The Memorial Hospital of Salem County was offering opportunities to end her dependence, she jumped at the chance.

“I knew I was ready,” said Sumiel. “I received samples of nicotine gum from the MHSC pharmacy. Every time I thought, ‘I need a cigarette,’ I would just pop a piece of gum into my mouth.”

According to Mrs. Sumiel, she didn’t even need much gum to kick the habit.

“I can proudly say I haven’t used anything since November 25^th 2008… wow, has it been that long?” asked Sumiel, as she paused and cracked a smile.

“Since quitting I have noticed that I could go up the stairs without getting tired. I cannot say I have noticed much saved money. Any money saved has gone toward purchasing magazines … I love magazines.”

On Thursday, November 19^th MHSC celebrated the first anniversary of becoming a tobacco-free campus. The event took place in the cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. MHSC counselors from Pharmacy and representatives from the American Cancer Society, SODAT, Pfizer, and others  were on hand to support smoking cessation efforts.

“It is our goal to help members of our MHSC staff as they try to break their dependency from tobacco products,” said Marla Maybrook, Chief Quality Officer and chair, MHSC Smoke-Free Campus Committee. “It is our hope that smokers will take the opportunity to learn help is available to them. Maybe November19^th  becomes the day they quit smoking.”

According to Mrs. Sumiel, she knows how hard quitting can be, but happy with her decision.

“You know when you are ready to quit,” said Mrs. Sumiel. “I was ready, and The Memorial Hospital of Salem County made quitting possible.”

For more information call Mrs. Maybrook at 935-1000, ext. 6053.