Be Smoke Free In 2009

With the holidays in full swing and 2009 around the corner, Smoke Free Indy would like to wish each of you good health in the new year. One way to have a healthy year is by quitting smoking or by helping a loved one quit.


There are several free resources in Indianapolis that can help you quit.


You can call 1-800-Quit-Now (1-800-784-8669) to receive free telephone counseling and 2 weeks of free patch or gum. You can also log onto http://www.indianatobaccoquitline.net/.


If you would like to attend a class locally visit our website for providers that offer classes. Many of the classes are free and some even offer free patch or gum. http://www.smokefreeindy.com/services/cessation/resources/


We hope you have a fun and safe holiday. We will post again in 2009.

Hancock County Goes Smoke Free

Our neighbors to the east, Hancock County, are going completely smoke free in all workplaces including in bars in restaurants. The new law will take place in 90 days and will cover the entire county including Greenfield, McCordsville, Fortville and New Palestine.

Here is an article in today's Indianapolis Star about the passage of this law. The article features Smoke Free Indy's own Tim Filler.

Now if Hancock County, Fort Wayne, Bloomington, West Lafayette, Zionsville and Plainfield can all go completely smoke free, isn't it about time that Indianapolis does too?

Mickey Maurer IBJ Commentary On Smoke Free Air

In this weeks Indianapolis Business Journal (12/15/08-12/21/08), Mickey Maurer wrote a great commentary on why making Indianapolis and Indiana smoke free is so important. Thanks to Mr. Maurer for taking the time to write this editorial and to also recognize Smoke Free Indy and its efforts.


"..Smoke Free Indy knew better. It’s a coalition of state and local public health organizations, community based organizations and others founded in 2002 and dedicated to reducing secondhand smoke and tobacco usage through education, prevention and advocacy.
Smoke Free Indy cited a 2003 report offering a comprehensive view of available studies on the economic impact of smoke-free workplace laws that concluded bars and restaurants had nothing to worry about. The City-County Council was not convinced.
Today, Indiana can look at its own data. A 2007 study commissioned by Smoke Free Indy concluded that the 2005 ordinance has not had a negative impact on sales or employment. Studies of Marion County taxable food and beverage sales show overall food and drink sales were unchanged. Further study showed that the number of food and hospitality employees had not declined. ...."


If you pick up a copy of this weeks IBJ you can read the full commentary, they do not have it on-line.

Bruce Hetrick on Steve Simpson Radio Show

Long time supporter and Smoke Free Indy member Bruce Hetrick, of Hetrick Communications, recently appeared on the Steve Simpson's WIBC evening radio show to talk about making Indianapolis smoke free. Bruce did a great job at explaining why Indianapolis should be smoke free and why it would be best for the city. To check out Steve Simpson's blog and to hear the interview click here.

PRESENTATION TO THE CITY-COUNTY COUNCIL COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

We will be presenting to the City-County Council Community Affairs Committee on December 3, 2008. The presentation will educate city council members on the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure and the benefits of having a comprehensive smoke free workplace law in Indianapolis.

WHAT: Smoke Free Indy Presentation to City-County Council Community Affairs Committee

WHEN: Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 at 5:30pm

WHERE: Room 260 of the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204

NOTES: The meeting is open to the public. All smoke free supporters are encouraged to attend!