Aug 24, 2006
News media calls to David Hass at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7374.

DuPage County Health Department commends Hinsdale, Burr Ridge for creating smoke-free public spaces

The elected leaders of Burr Ridge and Hinsdale in May accepted Certificates of Commendation from the DuPage County Health Department lauding the village leaders for enacting smoke-free ordinances during April.

The DuPage Coalition Against Tobacco also supported the commendations and individuals who support measures to eliminate the effects of secondhand smoke, prevent youth access to tobacco and encourage cessation of tobacco use.

At the Hinsdale Village Board meeting on May 16, Jane Zimmerman, Associate Director of Community Health Services for the health department, presented the certificate. At the Burr Ridge Village Board Meeting on May 22, Jessica Gerdes, manager of Tobacco Prevention, Cessation and Control at the health department, presented the award.

The two smoke-free air acts are similar. Each prohibits smoking in restaurants and bars, and both take effect in July. They each prohibit smoking near entrances to buildings and in outdoor seating areas.

The DuPage County Board of Health at its February meeting approved measures to encourage smoke-free ordinances throughout the county.

“The board of health and health department encourage reduction in smoking and reducing the effects of secondhand smoke, which contribute to the leading causes of death in DuPage County, including heart disease, cancer, stroke and emphysema,” said Linda Kurzawa, president of the DuPage County Board of Health.

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