WHO Calls for Smoke Free Communities
WHAT: World No Tobacco Day, an annual observance sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), provides an opportunity to expand the dialogue beyond the traditional smoke-free debate. The Texas Coalition for Worksite Wellness is working to encourage Texas employers to embrace prevention and wellness in their employee health care offerings.
Nicotine addiction from smoking is a chronic, relapsing medical condition and is not just a lifestyle choice. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), smoking cessation treatment is among the most cost-effective health care benefits, tied with childhood immunizations and aspirin therapy.
WHY: Fourteen Texas communities are smoke-free, 47 have passed some level of smoke-free regulations, and the Texas Legislature considered legislation that would have made the state smoke-free. However, only 24 percent of employers offer coverage for treatment of tobacco use. The simplest way to clear the air is by helping people quit smoking.
WHO: Experts are available to explain why it’s important to support smokers in their quit attempts, and what people can do to create a supportive, smoke-free environment. These are available for advance or day of coverage of World No Tobacco Day:
Dr. Marianne Fazen, president/CEO of Texas Business Group on Health and leader of the Texas Coalition for Worksite Wellness;
Dr. Paul Handel, vice president and chief medical officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
WHEN: World No Tobacco Day is May 31, 2007
For more information or to book an interview, please contact Jennifer Harris or Mona Taylor, (512) 476-8626 or jharris@rosscomm.com.