FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 30, 2016
Perth County ̶ On May 31, 2016, the Perth District Health Unit celebrates World No Tobacco Day and the 10th anniversary of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and Strategy. World No Tobacco Day is recognized annually to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco and the important work still to be done in tobacco control.
Some of the key achievements over the last 10 years include:
- Smoking bans in all enclosed public and work places
- Restricting the retail promotion and display of tobacco products
- Banning the sale of flavoured cigarillos
- Banning smoking on and around children’s playgrounds and publicly owned sports fields and surfaces
- Banning smoking on bar and restaurant patios.
The Smoke-free Ontario Strategy helps smokers quit, protects people from exposure to second-hand smoke and encourages young people to never start. It has led to over 400,000 fewer smokers and billions in attributable health care cost savings.
Despite these efforts and successes, there is more work to be done, says Adrienne Adas, Public Health Promoter. “We have made some amazing accomplishments through the implementation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy, but tobacco use still remains a serious public health concern in Ontario.”
Adas says that there are many supports for Perth County residents who want to quit smoking. “All residents have access to stop smoking support programs, which include free nicotine replacement therapy. Talk to your doctor or call the Health Unit to find out your options.”
For more information:
- PDHU Free Stop Smoking Clinic
- For more information on the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, or to report a smoking offence, call 519-271-7600 ext 772 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 722
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