BINGHAMTON, NY – Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death, claiming nearly 24,000 lives in New York annually. To safeguard our community from the dangers of second-hand smoke and vape aerosol, Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network has implemented a smoke-free outdoor policy. This policy aims to protect both clients, patrons, and staff from exposure to second-hand smoke. Mothers & Babies obtained technical assistance from the Tobacco-Free Broome & Tioga program to help them update their policy to include both vaping and cannabis products and to assist with the policy’s enforcement.
The Tobacco-Free Broome Tioga program is dedicated to educating our community members with effective strategies to decrease tobacco use in their community. We provide technical assistance for businesses and organizations who wish to implement tobacco-free policies in outdoor public areas, protecting everyone from secondhand smoke, especially children. By creating a tobacco-free environment where youth live and play, we shield them from the influence of tobacco and tobacco marketing. We thank Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network for their dedication to protecting residents from secondhand smoke.
Organizations interested in learning more or adopting a policy to make their worksite grounds and entryways tobacco-free are encouraged to take a proactive step towards a healthier environment. They may contact Grace Merrill at Grace.Merrill@BroomeCountyNY.gov or call 607-778-3928 for information and assistance.
For help quitting, call your doctor, and for support, contact the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS or visit www.nysmokefree.com.
Tobacco Free Broome & Tioga and Reality Check are funded partners of the New York State Bureau of Tobacco Control. The Bureau of Tobacco Control implements evidence-based and promising strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco use and envisions a tobacco-free society for all New Yorkers. For more information, visit www.tobaccofreenys.com
