Knox County Health Department

Oct. 1, 2008                                                  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ranee Randby,
Knox County Health Department  
215-5534 or 388-6186

Anniversary of Smoke-Free LEGISLATION CELEBRATED

Knox County Health Department (KCHD) marked the anniversary of Tennessee’s Non-Smoker Protection Act today with a small celebration at its facility on Dameron Avenue. On October 1, 2007, Tennessee went smoke-free in most enclosed public places, protecting Tennesseans from secondhand smoke exposure.

“As we work to improve the health of all of our citizens, we are so proud of our staff at the Knox County Health Department for their efforts to make this legislation a reality,” said Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale. “In addition, I commend our legislature for enacting this law last year. It provides much needed protections for the citizens of Knox County and for all Tennesseans.”

A recent poll shows Tennesseans support for smoke-free workplaces is stronger than ever. A May 2008 poll commissioned by Campaign for a Healthy and Responsible Tennessee (CHART), the Tennessee Department of Health and the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids revealed a willingness by Tennesseans to expand the smoke-free law to locations that are currently exempt from the legislation, including bars and other 21-and-up establishments.

“Secondhand smoke is very dangerous to everyone – and especially children,” said Knox County Health Department Director Mark Jones.  “From a public health standpoint in terms of preventable disease and death, we will benefit for years to come from this important legislation.”

In addition to reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, the Non-Smoker Protection Act has also motivated many smokers to quit. More than half of the 14,353 calls to the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine last year were received in the last three months of the year, once enforcement began. In addition to the Quitline, many Knox County residents have received cessation counseling and medication through the Knox County Health Department.

Educating businesses, particularly restaurants, has been the mission of the Environmental Health division of the KCHD, which permits and inspects local eating establishments. Since enforcement of the law began last October, a total of 130 complaints have been filed through the Department of Health and only one citation was issued. KCHD is responsible for oversight of more than 1700 businesses in Knox County.

“We provided public educational seminars at the outset, and have worked cooperatively with Knox County businesses for the last year to help them meet the requirements of the Non-Smoker Protection Act,” said Ronnie Nease, director of KCHD’s Environmental Health division. “Overall, Knox County workplaces have done a great job complying with the law.”

The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is committed to promoting public health policies and practices that safeguard and improve quality of life for all residents. KCHD offers an array of resources, including medical and dental services, family planning, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, air quality management, environmental services, food preparation oversight in public places, special nutritional programs for women with children and much more. For more information on the Knox County Health Department, visit www.knoxcounty.org/health.