OFFICIAL STATEMENT


The Jefferson County Health Action Partnership in Supports Comprehensive Smoke-Free Policies

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The city of Birmingham Public Safety Committee held a public hearing Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m. regarding a proposed smoke-free air ordinance. The Jefferson County Health Action Partnership supports smoke-free policies as the most effective way to protect nonsmokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

“Secondhand smoke does not discriminate; it affects people of all ages, races and genders,” says Charline Whyte, tobacco prevention and control expert with the Jefferson County Department of Health. “Exposure to tobacco smoke, particularly within enclosed indoor spaces, can have serious health consequences, such as lung cancer and heart disease, and often death.

“Comprehensive smoke-free policies equally protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers and patrons,” Whyte explains. “These policies also have a secondary benefit of decreasing smoking prevalence and consumption. Smoke-free policies are the most cost-effective method that may be used to address this deadly public health problem.”

Visit www.smokefreealabama.com to learn more about the partnership’s efforts to strengthen smoke-free policies and reduce tobacco initiation. Contact us at info@championsforhealth.org for more information. Join the discussion on twitter at #smokefreebham.

The Jefferson County Health Action Partnership is a coalition of more than 100 nonprofit organizations working alongside the Jefferson County Department of Health to advance smoke-free policies, reduce tobacco use, encourage physical activity, reduce obesity, expand food access, and improve the overall health of Jefferson County residents. www.healthactionpartners.org