May 30, 2006
News media calls to David Hass at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7374.

DuPage County Board of Health approves smoke-free policy for health department buildings beginning June 1

The DuPage County Board of Health at its May meeting approved a new DuPage County Health Department policy that makes all health department buildings smoke-free beginning June 1.

The board of health earlier year this directed staff to develop this policy, which covers all health department buildings and grounds. The policy includes all tobacco products and also covers all vehicles on health department premises.

Board of Health President Linda Kurzawa, also a DuPage County Board member, praised employees who worked on this policy and the board for approving this resolution and policy. She said the health department is the only county department to be smoke-free.

“The board of health and health department are setting good examples to discourage and reduce smoking, which is a contributing factor in the leading causes of death in DuPage County, including heart disease, cancer, stroke and emphysema,” Kurzawa said.

The Health Department’s Employee Wellness Committee, the department’s Tobacco Prevention and Control team members, Mental Health Services and other health departments, drafted the smoke-free policy.

There will be an exception for clients living in health department residential and group homes. Health department employees, their families and clients will be offered smoking cessation program and materials.

“We promote health, prevent illness, and provide quality service”