On Wednesday, February 15, the Birmingham City Council Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing on a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance proposal. As health advocates, we need you to show your strong support for this measure. Encourage them to take a bold stand by standing with them.

Send The Birmngham News a letter to the editor to make your voice heard. Be sure to fill in the placeholder text. Personalize your letter by stating why you oppose secondhand smoke and how it affects you, your health or your business. Address your letter to "Birmingham News Editors" and submit it to epage@bhamnews.com.

 

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[Date]
 
Dear __________,
 
As The News reported on Jan.19, Birmingham City Council is weighing a new ordinance that would make Birmingham restaurants, bars and workplaces smoke free. I strongly support this law and urge every council member to be bold and lead us to a healthier future, for the good of our community.
 
Second-hand smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. Each year, more than 800 nonsmoking Alabamians die as a result of someone else’s smoke. Everyone deserves the right to breathe clean air. A strong ordinance protects those who live, work and visit Birmingham.
 
On the very same day that The News reported that this measure was being considered, American Lung Association released its annual State of Tobacco Control report. Again, Alabama received straight F’s across the board, taking smoke-free provisions into account. Though not a surprise, this presents our city with a wonderful opportunity. So many great things are on the horizon for the Magic City, poor health ought not hold us back.
 
Thanks in advance to the courageous council members who have the vision and grit to take up this tough issue. And thanks to the health advocates and community activists, like the Health Action Partnership, for supporting these leaders. Together, with a little foresight and a touch of magic, we can build Birmingham into the thriving, healthy city it should be.
 
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]