MDQuit News Archives - May, 2007

World No Tobacco Day: May 31, 2007
The World Health Organization's Tobacco Free Initiative celebrates World No Tobacco Day each year on May 31st.  This year's theme is "Smoke Free Environments."   Their website offers free materials and information on how you can be involved.

Effectiveness of Anti-Smoking Ads Questioned -- May 31, 2007
As reported by NPR, Big Tobacco's public service ads aimed at steering kids away from smoking could be having the opposite effect, according to a recent study by The American Journal of Public Health. So what sort of ad would work?  Click here to listen to a report by Sarah Smith, a Youth Radio reporter and Maine high school student.  

WHO Recommends Banning Smoking in Public Places -- May 30, 2007
On Tuesday the World Health Organization released recommendations for banning smoking in all public places. As the leading preventable cause of death, WHO officials urge policy makers in all countries to enact legislation requiring all public indoor spaces to be smoke-free. Read the full story here.

Governor O'Malley Signs Smoking Ban Legislation -- May 17, 2007
Governor O'Malley signed the Clear Indoor Air Act of 2007 on Thursday. The legislation will require bars, restaurants, and private clubs to be smoke-free by February 1, 2008. Read more about the bill signing ceremony here.

Peninsula Regional Medical Center to go smoke free -- May 9, 2007
Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, MD is one of three Delmarva Peninsula hospitals that have announced plans to implement tobacco-free initiatives that will ban tobacco use anywhere on the hospital campus. Click here for more info.

Howard County health department officials prepare to go smoke free -- May 9, 2007. 
Howard County Health Department officials are preparing for the June 1 enactment of indoor smoking ban legislature by sending out letters and brochures to business owners outlining details of the legislation and penalties for violations and establishing a hotline to report violations. Read more about the ban and a publicity event held by county officials here.