Dave Fotsch
Public Information Officer
Central District Health Department
208-327-8639
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June 13, 2008
Health District to go Tobacco-Free July 1st
The Central District Health Department (CDHD) is today announcing that as of July 1, 2008 all of its campuses, in Boise, Mountain Home and McCall, will go tobacco-free. The health district is making the move to tobacco-free campuses because of the well-established fact that tobacco use, including being subjected to secondhand smoke, is hazardous to health. The CDHD Board of Health wants to protect the health of the people it serves and set an example for the community in promoting healthy lifestyles.
As of July 1st smoking and other tobacco use will not be permitted on any CDHD property, which includes parking lots or in vehicles. As a reminder, “Tobacco-Free Zone” signs will be posted visibly around all CDHD facilities. The policy applies to all clients, visitors, employees, volunteers, contractors and vendors.
“Our mission at Central District Health is “Healthy People in Healthy Communities,” said District Director Russell Duke. “The dangers of tobacco use are well known. Banning the use of tobacco on our campuses is consistent with our goals of promoting healthy lifestyles. We want to lead by example.”
In addition to banning tobacco use at the district’s three offices, CDHD will also discourage tobacco users from even applying for positions at the health district. A statement will be added to any job announcement for positions at CDHD indicating that tobacco users are discouraged from applying.
All CDHD employees have been made aware of the new policy and those who use tobacco have been offered assistance in quitting. Whether they quit or not, they won’t be able to smoke or use other tobacco products anywhere on CDHD property.
The mission of the Central District Health Department is “To improve the health of our communities by identifying sustainable solutions to community health issues, developing partnerships for implementation of strategies, and demonstrating our success through measurement of outcomes.” For more information on the programs of the Central District Health Department please visit our website.
