Smoke Free News
Passing of Senate Bill 1086:
All NC public school systems will become 100% tobacco free by August 1, 2008, thanks to the passing of Senate Bill 1086. Union County Public Schools adopted this policy in 2004, becoming the 35th tobacco free school system in the state. NC is excited to make such positive strides for the health and well-being of our youth.
A Massachusetts study suggests that restaurant smoking bans may play a big role in persuading teens not to become smokers. Youth who lived in towns with strict bans were 40 percent less likely to become regular smokers than those in communities with no bans or weak ones, the researchers reported in the May issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Click here to read the full article.
Smoking banned in all state government buildings
House Bill 24 Signed Into Law! Effective January 1, 2008, this new NC statute will ban smoking inside all state government buildings and allow NC local governments to do the same, if they choose. (Please note the NC Smoking in Public Places statute contains a local government preemption section, 143-601(b), which is still in effect.) For more information visit http://www.tobaccopreventionandcontrol.ncdhhs.gov/hb24.htm.
Piedmont Recreation Association (PRA) Goes Tobacco Free May 1, 2007
On any given Saturday or week night, Noel Williams Park, nestled in northern Union County, is abuzz with youth of all ages playing sports. Operated by Piedmont Recreation Association (PRA), the 36-acre park is home to 800 families providing over 1,000 youth with opportunities for T-ball through Babe Ruth baseball, softball, soccer, football, basketball and cheerleading.
In April, the PRA Board of Directors took an important step toward ensuring that their organization promotes the health and safety of the youth they serve. They adopted a 100% Tobacco Free Policy for their park and youth sports programs, effective May 1, 2007.
According to PRA President Steven Williams, “When our Board was presented with data from a recent Union County Public Schools (UCPS) youth drug and tobacco use survey, we were appalled by the statistics, especially the fact that our geographic area had, by far, the highest use of tobacco in the county.” He indicated that what really got the Board’s attention was the fact that tobacco free policies, when enforced, can reduce youth tobacco use by 40%. Williams stated, “In order to provide positive role modeling and send a clear message to our youth that tobacco use is not acceptable, the Board took action. We voted unanimously to become a tobacco free park.”
As stated on their web site at www.praonline.org. PRA’s mission is to provide a clean and fun environment for children to play sports and become better people. As of the second week in May, families will see red and black signs throughout Noel Williams Park respectfully asking all those who enter the park to refrain from using any tobacco products. See flyer for reasons to support tobacco free parks.
2006 Surgeon General's Report on the
Health Consequences of Secondhand Smoke Exposure
On June 27th, Richard H. Carmona, US Surgeon General, released a comprehensive scientific report which concludes there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Carmona stated at the June press conference, "The debate is over. The science is clear. Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance, but a serious health hazard."
The report strongly supports the benefits and importance of smoke-free environments.
The full report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, and supporting materials can be viewed at www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/secondhand/ . View the practical guide for the general public: Secondhand Smoke: What It Means To You
Waxhaw Elementary School and the Parents Corps Program held a "Cigarette Butt Clean Up" on May 18, 2006. Youth picked up tobacco litter at the school's baseball fields, also used by community athletic associations. Students request that the community please honor the 100% Tobacco Free Schools Policy to keep their campus tobacco free. The policy applies not only to school employees, students and visitors during the school day, but also to community groups using school property after school hours. Students display a jar of "butts" picked up in just thirty minutes. See brochure on cigarette litter.
Carolinas Medical Center - Union went Tobacco Free February 14th - read more. On Monday, Feb. 13, 2006. 234 luminaries lined the Franklin Street entrance to the hospital to signify the number of people who die from tobacco use every week in North Carolina.
WCWAA (Wesley Chapel - Weddington Athletic Association) and Weddington Optimist Club adopted a Tobacco Free Policy for their park grounds and all events, effective March 2006. This includes all WCWAA sanctioned youth sports activities. No tobacco products are allowed by anyone in the park. Signs are posted throughout the park.