December 2007 Newsletter now available. Click here to download pdf.

Past Newsletters
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007

Tobacco Free Allegheny
Health Education Newsletter

This is a monthly newsletter that highlight articles, research and information pertaining to tobacco related issues locally, nationally and from around the world. 

February 2008
March 2008

National Kick Butts Day - April 2, 2008

Allegheny County Councilman Mike Finnerty presenting
Kick Butts Day Proclamation to
Tobacco Free Allegheny, BUSTED! & PASWAT Programs

Kick Butts Day is a nationwide event established by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids as a day for youth to stand out, speak up and seize control in the fight against tobacco, by raising awareness about tobacco, how it harms our health and how Big Tobacco targets kids; and by supporting strong tobacco control policies.

This year, Allegheny County Busted! youth from schools and community groups across the county came together in one effort to call attention to the 1200 people who die each day from tobacco related illnesses. High school and middle school age kids placed 1200 luminaria (candle illuminated bags) in a display on the sidewalk in front of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit at the Waterfront complex in Homestead. Attached to each bag was a personal message about someone or from someone whose life has been impacted or cut short by tobacco. The idea for this project originated with the PA SWAT students at Carlow University two years ago and they did the same 1200 luminaria on the Carlow Campus as well as middle school, high school and college students from across the state.

Disappoinment in Blocked Ordinance

(Harrisburg) Disappointment is the reaction of Cindy Thomas, Executive Director of Tobacco Free Allegheny, over a state appeals court decision blocking Allegheny County’s Clean Indoor Air Ordinance. 

The ordinance, adopted January 2, 2007, prohibited smoking in all workplaces and public places in Allegheny County, with the exception of taverns and bars. The court ruled Allegheny County had no authority to enact the ban. Despite the decision, Thomas is hopeful that the progress made towards clean indoor air can be maintained.

Speaking from the steps of the state capital in Harrisburg, Thomas called for voluntary compliance. “For nearly five months, the ordinance made it the law to provide clean indoor air. Employees of smoky workplaces were able to breath easier as were their customers. Even though the ordinance has been overturned by the courts, we ask that businesses in Allegheny County continue to offer protection to all their workers and patrons alike. It will allow us all to breathe clean air and it is the right thing to do.”

Thomas is in Harrisburg today to support ‘Breathe Free at the Capitol.’ More than 400 volunteers from around the state rallied on the capital steps before visiting with their lawmakers to talk about the importance of clean indoor air.