The Partnership
recognizes tobacco
use and / or
exposure to
secondhand smoke as
a major risk factor
in more than 40% of
the health
improvement areas we
seek to impact.
During the most
recent
organizational
strategic planning
process, our
leadership
determined that
INDOOR TOBACCO USE
ELIMINATION AND
SECOND HAND SMOKE
EXPOSURE REDUCTION
would become one of
the three
distinguishing focus
of our
organizational
goals.
We firmly believe
that individuals and
organizations in
Carroll County, MD,
with; diverse
skills, respectful
work relationships,
a willingness to be
innovative, and a
shared healthier
community vision;
can improve the
health and quality
of life in our
community.
The Partnership is
therefore leading
the establishment of
a Smoke Free Carroll
County Coalition,
to:
a. Eliminate toxic
secondhand smoke
exposure from indoor
public spaces in our
state.
b. Educate adults
about the particular
impact secondhand
smoke has on
children.
c. Encourage the
elimination of
tobacco smoke in
cars or homes with
children.
d. Assist those
currently smoking
who would like to
try to quit that
addictive activity.
e. Advocate smoke
free lifestyles for
everyone in our
community
The Maryland Clean
Air Act 2007 goes
into effect February
1, 2008. It should
not be seen as the
end of our concerns.
At the March 30,
2007 meeting of the
SFCC, the coalition
members agreed that
indeed there is more
work to be done; and
accordingly, the
following action
list was created:
| What: |
| 1. |
Support the State-wide Health Officers position that business requests for exemption from the Clean Indoor Air Act be reviewed at the DHMH level as opposed to being considered at each individual county |
| 2. |
Tobacco Cessation Class flyers to be distributed to a) CHC Physicians’ offices via the CHC courier; b) Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Dixon Building; and c) Access Carroll |
| 3. |
Get information in the Carroll Hospital Center physicians’ newsletter, “SCOPE” regarding the SFCC Coalition and doctors’ proactive role in cessation |
| 4. |
Educate PTA organizations about youth smoking risks. |
| 5. |
Develop flyers/information that could be provided to CCPS health classes (per Steve Guthrie). Include review of possible information from American Academy of Pediatrics on the effects of smoking on youth |
| 6. |
Consider providing free educational videos about smoking hazards for doctors’ office waiting rooms (captive audience) |
| |
a) determine if appropriate video exists |
| |
b) determine copying/supply/distribution plan |
| 7. |
Chantix voucher information – determine who needs to know how to get this |
| 8. |
Encourage County Buildings & Campuses to become “smoke free” externally |
|
|
|
| SFCC Coalition Update - July 30, 2007 |
| |
Dear Coalition Members:
Greetings!!! We hope this update finds you well, relaxed, and enjoying the beautiful weather outdoors. If you traveled much this summer, you noticed the ever increasing number of smoke-free hotel chains (Marriott, Westin, Comfort Inn), the availability of smoke-free Caribbean Cruise options, and the growing trend of vacation house or condo rentals in Ocean City, Bethany, Fenwick & the North Carolina Outer Banks to list properties as “no-smoking rentals”. Why even some beaches in Los Angeles County are being designated as smoke-free spaces to address both the health hazards and the environmental litter issues! Progress is happening and the efforts of coalitions such as ours are the driving forces.
Speaking of progress, some things are moving on the action list created at the March 30 Coalition meeting (see below): |
| |
|
| |
|
What |
When |
Tasks Update |
Responsibility |
Completed? |
|
1. Support a letter from the County Health Officers to encourage the state to be the office in which exemptions are discussed; not each individual county
|
ASAP |
|
Tricia Supik |
Letter sent. Result: Standard guidelines will be established by the Secretary of DHMH so there will be consistency in determining exceptions across the state by each Health Officer.
|
|
2. Tobacco Cessation Class flyers to be distributed to
a) CHC Physicians’ offices via the CHC courier;
b) Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Dixon Building; and
c) Access Carroll
|
ASAP |
|
CRF Staff |
See attached letter and information card (instead of flyers) provided by the CRF office. Mailings began in July and will continue as new supplies of the printings are available. |
|
3. Information in to the doctors’ newsletter, “SCOPE” regarding the SFCC Coalition and doctors’ proactive role in cessation |
Next biannual issue |
|
Partnership Staff w/CHC Marketing Staff |
Draft article written. Next issue of SCOPE to be published in late August or Early September |
|
4. Develop flyers/information that could be provided to CCPS health classes (per Steve Guthrie)
Review of possible information from American Academy of Pediatrics |
TBD |
CRF staff reports no date has been set yet but communications are underway |
CRF Staff |
|
|
5. Videos about smoking hazards for doctors’ office waiting rooms (captive audience)
a) determine if appropriate video exists
b) determine copying/supply/distribution plan |
ASAP |
Videos are being previewed for appropriateness in doctors’ waiting rooms. Expected distribution date still unknown. |
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