Smoke Free Reaction: Smoke Free Indy, Councilors Barth & Hunter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Contact: Lindsay Grace317.496.1494Lindsay.grace@lungin.org

Reaction to Mayor Ballard Signing Proposal 136

Smoke Free IndyAttribute to Lindsay Grace, Chair

“Today is an exciting day for Indianapolis and for all of those who have supported Smoke Free Indy over the years.

“The signing of Proposal 136 into law is the culmination of more than a decade of work. As a coalition of health organizations and health supporters, we have worked with dozens of city-council councilors and several mayors to get to this point.

“Seven years ago, the workers and citizens of Marion County scored their first victory when smoking was taken out of our restaurants. Since then, public perception and public expectations about smoke free workplaces has continued to grow. In fact, as of last fall, approximately 70 percent of Marion County voters wanted a more comprehensive smoke free law that would include bars and taverns.

“Today, workers in our bars and taverns, bowling alleys, hotels and motels can celebrate. They no longer have to go to work in smoke-filled environments.

“For that, we specifically thank the current members of the city-county council who put forth a bi-partisan effort to get this done. We also thank Mayor Ballard for putting his signature on this ordinance and affirming his commitment to public health.

“Over the next few weeks, Smoke Free Indy will be working with the Marion County Public Health Department to help educate business owners, workers and patrons about the impact of this law. We are looking forward to a smooth transition to smoke free air.”

Councilor John Barth

“I’m very pleased that Mayor Ballard signed Proposal 136 so quickly after it’s passing by the City/County Council. Indianapolis residents from across the city have told me they want to work and relax in smoke free establishments. Residents along with the public health community and groups like Smoke Free Indy have partnered with elected officials to take action to provide a safer environment to do so. I’m proud of the council for passing an ordinance that will improve the quality of life for our citizens.”

Councilor Benjamin Hunter

“Indianapolis is a world class city. We’ve proved that time and time again on many different stages. Today we’ve done something that demonstrates that we think those who work and live in Indianapolis are world class citizens. Today we’ve put their health and their quality of life as a top priority. There is no doubt in my mind that Indianapolis will be better off due to our efforts. I applaud my fellow councilors and the mayor for doing what is right.”

### 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.

We Support New Proposal to Expand Smokefree Air in Workplaces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Contact:
Lindsay Grace
317.496.1494
Lindsay.grace@lungin.org


Smokefree Indy Supports New Proposal to Expand Smokefree Air in Workplaces

Smokefree Indy supports a new smokefree air proposal, which would expand the number of smokefree workplaces in Marion County.

The proposal, which is expected to be introduced at Monday’s Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council meeting, eliminates exemptions for bars, taverns, hotels, motels and bowling alleys among others.

“We commend Councilors Angela Mansfield and John Barth for continuing the bi-partisan fight for smokefree air in Marion County,” said Lindsay Grace, chair of Smokefree Indy. “The health of our workforce is paramount to the vibrancy of our community. Eliminating health risks such as secondhand smoke from workplaces such as bars, taverns and bowling alleys will improve the lives of thousands of workers.

“This proposal includes language that has passed the council previously, but also incorporates language that we feel should garner the support of Mayor Ballard. We encourage all of our local politicians to pass this proposal.”


Marion County has had an exemption-filled smokefree law since 2006. The recent passage of a statewide smokefree law had a minimal effect on Marion County.

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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.

Our Response to Veto of Proposal 18

INDIANAPOLIS – Smoke Free Indy is strongly disappointed with Mayor Ballard's decision to veto Proposal 18. We stand with the 70 percent of Indianapolis residents who support this proposal and who were looking forward to enjoying a smoke-free Indianapolis. It is especially frustrating since Mayor Ballard indicated his support in November for this exact language regarding a private club exemption that he now claims is the basis of his veto.

This is not the first time Mayor Ballard has flip-flopped on this issue. In 2007, while running for Mayor of Indianapolis, he wrote to a constituent, "I can assure you that I am a supporter of the smokefree workplace. Secondhand smoke is a proven health hazard and I would support any legislation to limit the impact of secondhand smoke."

We encourage the City-County Council to keep working on behalf of the people of Indianapolis to pass the strongest law possible that protects employees and patrons in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars.

Action Alert - Tell Mayor Ballard to sign Proposal 18

City-County Council Passes Proposal 18!

Members of the City-County Council passed Proposal 18 during the full council meeting on Monday night by a vote of 19-9! Here is our response:

"Smoke Free Indy is pleased that Proposal 18 was adopted by the Indianapolis City Council. This moment is long overdue to the workers, citizens and visitors of Indianapolis. We would like to thank the council members, both past and present, who have worked diligently over the years to get us to this point. Proposal 18 isn’t perfect. We will continue to work toward the day when all workers and business customers are protected from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. However, it goes a long way in strengthening the current ordinance and offering protection to many more workers. We are joyful that the council did not weaken Proposal 18 by allowing an amendment that would allow children to be exposed to secondhand smoke in private clubs. We encourage Mayor Ballard to keep the promise he made in 2007, 2011 and most recently this past November; keep Indy moving forward and sign Proposal 18. History has been made in Indy tonight, while the whole world is watching."

It is now or never. Reach out to Mayor Ballard to let him know how you feel about Proposal 18.

Call (317.327.3601 or 317.327.4622) send a message on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MayorGregBallard, or tweet (@MayorBallard) to share your thoughts. We can't stress how important it is to reach out to him.

This is it, the final step to make Indy smoke-free. Please forward this message on to your friends, family, co-workers, everyone you know and ask them to do the same. We have only a short window of time, so we must act now!

Statement on Proposal 18 passing city council

Smoke Free Indy is pleased that Proposal 18 was adopted by the Indianapolis City Council. This moment is long overdue to the workers, citizens and visitors of Indianapolis. We would like to thank the council members, both past and present, who have worked diligently over the years to get us to this point. Proposal 18 isn’t perfect. We will continue to work toward the day when all workers and business customers are protected from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. However, it goes a long way in strengthening the current ordinance and offering protection to many more workers. We are joyful that the council did not weaken Proposal 18 by allowing an amendment that would allow children to be exposed to secondhand smoke in private clubs. We encourage Mayor Ballard to keep the promise he made in 2007, 2011 and most recently this past November; keep Indy moving forward and sign Proposal 18. History has been made in Indy tonight, while the whole world is watching.

Indianapolis Business Journal Urges Councilors to support Proposal 352

Thank you to the Indianapolis Business Journal for their continued support for making Indy smoke-free. Sorry for the poor quality, click on image for a closer look.

Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association Supports a Smoke Free Indy

The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association (ICVA) is joining Smoke Free Indy in support of a smoke-free ordinance that includes 100 percent of bars, restaurants and hotel rooms. The ICVA is the official sales and marketing organization for the city, charged with driving tourism and booking conventions.

“Eliminating smoking in Indianapolis’ hospitality industry will benefit the region’s convention and tourism industry,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of the ICVA. “A smoke-free law will not only help us attract new business, but will enhance the visitors’ experience while protecting hospitality workers from secondhand smoke.”

Tourism is big business for Indianapolis, generating more than $3.4 billion in economic impact annually and supporting more than 69,000 jobs.

“Indianapolis is fortunate to attract more than 18 million visitors every year. Whether they come from another state or another country, most of them are protected by smokefree laws where they live and are shocked when they realize Indianapolis still allows smoking inside,” said Lindsay Grace, Chair of Smoke Free Indy. “We want to show our visitors that we’re a world class city that cares about the health of our guests as well as our workers.”

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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.

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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 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.

Meet Alice Curry

On July 9, 2011 Alice Curry passed away from a battle with lung cancer. Alice never smoked a day in her life and there is no history of cancer in her family. Alice Curry worked in many smoke-filled environments throughout her career. Secondhand smoke kills 1,100 Hoosiers every year, Hooisers just like Alice Curry. We have started a campaign, to honor Alice and her dedication to making sure that everyone has the right to breathe clean air.

Are You Alice?

Please share your personal story of how secondhand smoke has affected you or someone you know. This could be anything from your hair smelling like smoke after a night out with friends, to an asthma attack to serious health condition. Please tag @SmokeFreeIndy and use the hashtag #IAmAlice when sharing your story on Twitter. Or share your story on our Facebook Page.

Tobacco Industry Sues the FDA

As we all know, the FDA is requiring cigarette companies to include graphic warning labels on all packaging by 2012, in response to these new warning requirements the tobacco industry is suing the FDA. They are suing because these labels 'unfairly urge adults to shun their legal products and will cost millions to produce.' So it seems they are suing because the government is finally requiring them to tell the truth that by using their product you can die. Again the tobacco industry is really looking out for all of us and not the bottom line (insert sarcasm). Last year in Indiana the tobacco industry spent $307.5 MILLION to advertise their products, and they are complaining about the ink it will cost to print these new warning labels? Give me a break...

David Orentlicher has a good synopsis of why the tobacco industry's legal fight won't hold up in court in today's Indianapolis Star: http://www.indystar.com/article/20110819/OPINION13/108190323/David-Orentlicher-Fair-warning-smokers?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7COpinion%7Cp.

IU Health's New Smokefree Policy

IU Health has a new smokefree policy that will protect patients and staff from thirdhand smoke. Employees are no longer allowed to smoke during work hours, in the past they were not allowed to smoke on hospital property but could go off property during their shift to smoke. This new policy will protect patients from thirdhand smoke, the lingering chemicals and smell left on a person after they smoke. Studies have shown that thirdhand smoke exposes individuals who do not smoke to the harmful chemicals in cigarettes and can trigger asthma attacks and other breathing issues.

Congratulations to IU Health for taking the health of their patients and staff seriously.

Star Editorial

There is an interesting editorial in today's Indianapolis Star about the reduced adult smoking rate: http://www.indystar.com/article/20110811/OPINION08/108110358/Good-news-could-even-better?odyssey=modnewswelltextOpinionp.
The editorial brings up a good point that the smoking rate could be lower if Indiana had full tobacco prevention funding and a smokefree air law.

Muncie Smokefree Today!

Today is the official start of Muncie's smokefree air ordinance that covers all workplaces in Delaware County. Muncie now joins Fort Wayne, West Lafayette, Bloomington, Greenfield and Terre Haute with a comprehensive smokefree air law. It is now very clear that Indianapolis is not only falling behind the rest of the nation in not having a comprehensive law, but we are also falling behind the rest of Indiana.

Check out this great editorial from a veteran who is happy that her club is now smokefree: http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20110811/OPINION03/108110326/Veteran-dislikes-smoke

Lower Smoking Rate in Indiana

Yesterday, the Indiana State Department of Health released the 2010 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System results, Indiana's smoking rate is now 21.2 percent, down from 23.1 percent. This is the lowest smoking rate that Indiana has ever seen, but it is still higher than the national average of 17.3 percent. Indiana still has a long way to go to further reduce smoking rates, we still need to pass a comprehensive smokefree air law, increase tobacco prevention funding and increase the tobacco tax. Hopefully the 2012 legislative session can bring positive change for Indiana.

In the mean time, if you know someone who wants to quit smoking tell them about the Quit Now Indiana Contest. If they quit between October 1-31 and stay quit they can enter the contest for a chance to win $2,500. They can sign-up on line or visit the Quit Now booth at the Indiana State Fair in front of the grandstands.

Smokefree Air Laws Do Not Impact Urban OR Rural Economies

A recent study released out of the University of Kentucky found that comprehensive smokefree air laws do not harm businesses in either rural or urban communities. Through an analysis of both types of communities in Ohio and Kentucky, researchers found that going smokefree does not negatively impact the number of employees, wages paid or the number of hospitality establishments. This study shows that if Indiana goes completely smokefree our hospitality establishments would not be negatively impacted from Indianapolis to Cicero.

Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund Endorses Melina Kennedy for Mayor

The Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund released a statement today endorsing Melina Kennedy for Mayor of Indianapolis. The Campaign sites her support for smokefree air as the reason for their endorsement. Go here for complete information about this endorsement: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tobacco-free-kids-action-fund-endorses-melina-kennedy-for-indianapolis-mayor-126765373.html

Lawsuit in Muncie

I guess the individuals in Muncie suing over the impending smokefree air law did not get the memo that this type of law is already in place in over half the country including Fort Wayne, Bloomington and West Lafayette. There is no constitutional 'right' to smoke. Going smokefree is not ground breaking and these lawsuits get thrown out of court. Instead of waisting their money on legal action they should be happy with all the money they will be saving from reduced cleaning and health care costs.
http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20110728/NEWS01/107280333/Smoking-ban-going-court?odyssey=tabtopnewstextFrontpage%20DontMiss

Summer Updates

After a brief summer hiatus we are back and blogging about smoking and smokefree air in Indiana and Indianapolis. Here is a brief list of important developments and articles that we missed while we were away.

The FDA released new warning labels on cigarette packaging, the new labels will appear in 2012. The labels show the real impact of tobacco use with images of cancer and deceased individuals. It is still to be determined whether or not these labels will motivate a long time smoker to quit, but they will deter young people from starting to smoke.

The American Cancer Society - Cancer Action Network just released a report that determined Indiana would save $74.5 million in lung cancer, heart attack and stroke costs and 27,300 fewer youth would start smoking if the state went totally smokefree. This report fuels the need to pass a strong smokefree air law in Indiana.

Making Indiana and Indianapolis smokefree continues to be a key issue in both local and state politics. In local politics, we know that mayoral candidate Melina Kennedy supports making Indianapolis smokefree, but Mayor Greg Ballard does not. It also appears that many of the Democratic council candidates support making the city smokefree. We hope that the Republican candidates will also support making the city smokefree for the health of all workers. Clearly making Indy smokefree is an important step towards making the city a greener and more progressive city

Lastly, the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Agency is now a part of the Indiana State Department of Health and is called the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission. The new Commission is still able to give out funding to local organizations to do tobacco control and prevention, which is good news for all Hoosiers.