Beginning July 1, all Multnomah county buildings, grounds, property and parking areas will be tobacco free. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted the policy on April 5, 2012.
Chair Jeff Cogen said for the past two years, Multnomah County has led an effort aimed at helping people understand the responsibility they have for their own health. “It Starts Here: Campaign for a Healthy Active Multnomah County" promotes workplace wellness, chronic disease prevention and strategies to address rising healthcare costs.
The policy is intended to protect and improve the health of employees, visitors to county properties and the public.
At the April 5 meeting, health officials told the board that tobacco is still the leading preventable cause of death in this county and this nation. The U.S. Surgeon General has also declared there is no safe level of second-hand smoke.
The new policy was developed and is being implemented by a county-wide team that includes staff from the health department, benefits office, labor relations and Local 88, facilities and sustainability.
For more information on how call the the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line, a free service for all Oregonians: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), Español: 1-877-2NO-FUME (1-877-266-3863
.