Smoke Free Indy Response to Councillor Vaughn’s Recent Proposal

Smoke Free Indy is dedicated to protecting every Indianapolis worker from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Earlier today, Councilor Ryan Vaughn submitted a proposal that would eliminate many, but not all, of the loopholes in Indianapolis’ current Smokefree law. His proposal strengthens the current policy by eliminating exemptions for bars, bowling alleys, hotel/motel rooms, workplaces and nursing homes; and would protect a majority of Indianapolis workers who are currently exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke in the workplace.

We thank Councillors Angela Mansfield and Benjamin Hunter for their dedication to this issue over the years and are encouraged to see the interested parties coming together to address this critical issue.

We urge all members of the City Council and the Mayor’s Office to work together to pass a strong smoke-free law. Smoke Free Indy will continue to work toward a smoke-free ordinance that protects every worker in Indianapolis.

Media Alert: Smoke Free Indy Launches New Campaign

MEDIA ALERT

Contact:

Lindsay Grace

317.496.1494

Lindsay.grace@lungin.org

On the 36^th annual Great American Smokeout, Smoke Free Indy will build on its dedication to reducing secondhand smoke by unveiling its new public education campaign in conjunction with seeking the support of the City Council and the Mayor’s office to work together to pass a law that will protect all workers from secondhand smoke.

WHEN – Thursday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.

WHO – Lindsay Grace, Chairwoman of Smoke Free Indy

Dr. Virginia Caine, Director, Marion County Public Health Department

Mara Hoberty, Indianapolis resident

Benjamin Hunter & Angela Mansfield, Indianapolis City-County Councilors

WHERE – Indianapolis City-County Building, 2^nd Floor

WHY – Strengthening the existing smoke-free law is a priority in order to ensure that all workers in Indianapolis work in smoke-free environments. Bi-partisan support is in place in the City Council to facilitate a change in the near future.

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Smoke Free Indy is a coalition of state and local public health organizations, community based organizations, physicians, businesses, schools, the faith community, and Marion County residents dedicated to reducing secondhand smoke, tobacco usage and tobacco initiation through education, prevention and advocacy. For more information visit: www.smokefreeindy.com.

Smoke Free Indy Response to Marion County Election Results

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Contact:

Lindsay Grace

317.496.1494

Lindsay.grace@lungin.org

Smoke Free Indy Response to

Marion County Election Results

Current changes in the City-County Council show bi-partisan support

for a strong smoke-free ordinance that will protect all workers.

With 70% percent of Marion County residents supporting smoke-free workplaces, including restaurants and bars, it is no surprise that this issue was front and center in many City-County Council races and the Mayoral election. With the results of Tuesday’s election there is now a bi-partisan majority of City-County Council members and the Mayor on the record supporting a strengthened smoke-free law which includes all restaurants and bars.

“It was encouraging that strengthening the current smoke-free law was forefront in many campaigns across the county,” said Lindsay Grace, Chair of Smoke Free Indy. “We are looking forward to working with the new City-County Council and the Mayor’s office to pass a strong smoke-free ordinance protecting Indianapolis workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.”

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Smoke Free Indy is a coalition of state and local public health organizations, community based organizations, physicians, businesses, schools, the faith community, and Marion County residents dedicated to reducing secondhand smoke, tobacco usage and tobacco initiation through education, prevention and advocacy. For more information visit: www.smokefreeindy.com.