While our state celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the passage of the Smoking in Public Places Act, we have work ahead of us in making it easier for people to kick the smoking habit all together.
Health experts in Washington agree tobacco users need better access to cessation resources to make healthier choices. Improving access to smoking cessation resources is the focus of the 16thannual Tobacco-Free Alliance of Pierce County (TAP) Summit. The summit is free to the public and comes as tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. The theme is “Tobacco Cessation: Raising the Grade in Washington.”
The American Lung Association gives Washington an F grade for access to cessation services. With improvements in cessation resources, experts believe this grade can become an A. They will discuss strategies for doing just that at the summit on Dec. 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Tacoma.
While cessation efforts need work, Washington has made progress in clearing the air. The American Lung Association gives our state an A for smoke-free air. Washington’s Smoking in Public Places (SIPP) law has been in effect for 10 years.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Director Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH, will give the opening remarks. Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson will give the keynote address. An expert from the American Lung Association will discuss how Washington can raise its grade, and authorities in tobacco cessation will take part in panel discussions. Learn more about the summit from TAP’s Facebook page.
