BUTLER TWP — Along with a newly renovated building, Sunnyview Home may undergo two more changes: a new name and a smoke-free environment.

Dr. William DiCuccio, Sunnyview executive and medical director, said at Thursday's board meeting the county commissioners should consider making the building smoke-free.

Smoking already is prohibited in the county courthouse, government center and prison.

DiCuccio noted that Butler Memorial Hospital will make all of its properties smoke-free Sept. 2. He said Sunnyview should also make the move to promote better health, factoring the health problems associated with second-hand smoke.

DiCuccio, a former smoker, suggested converting the room currently used for employee smokers into an exercise room.

He said banning smoking wouldn't affect existing residents.

Sue Murray, Sunnyview administrator, said 10 residents are smokers.

Workers attending the meeting agreed the number for employee smokers is far greater.

DiCuccio said health insurance costs typically are higher for smokers.

Smokers becoming residents after such a change is implemented would need to rely on nicotine substitutes.

Dale Pinkerton, chairman of the Butler County commissioners, agreed with DiCuccio about the adverse effects of smoking.

"My dad died from lung cancer," Pinkerton said.

DiCuccio also reintroduced the idea of changing the Sunnyview Home name to better reflect the services provided.

He asked the commissioners to consider making the name Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation.

The commissioners agreed the switch would be appropriate to coincide with the June ribbon cutting for the renovations, which included construction of a rehabilitation unit.

"I think it's a great idea," said Commissioner Jim Lokhaiser.

Pinkerton said the name change would remove the stigma attached to nursing homes.

Commissioner James Kennedy stressed the importance of keeping the word Sunnyview in the name.