1. Help save lives and money.

According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids:

• 400,000 people die every year from their own cigarette smoking.

• 50,000 adult non-smokers die each year from exposure to secondhand smoke.

• Smoking kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides combined, with thousands more dying from spit tobacco use.

• Of all the kids who become new smokers each year, almost a third will ultimately die from it. In addition, smokers lose an average of 13 to 14 years of life because of their smoking.

• We spend $260 million dollars every day on smoking caused healthcare expenditures.

• Smokeless tobacco users are at a heightened risk for oral cancer compared to non-users and these cancers can form within five years of regular use.

By enforcing rules around tobacco use at your event you are reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. You also help change the community norm that tobacco use is okay. When the youth at your event see this behavior, it reassures them that they don’t have to smoke, or spit to be cool and accepted. You are supporting their decision and in turn helping reduce future health problems and costs, and possibly preventing their early death.

2 Big Reasons to create a tobacco use policy for your event

1. Help save lives and money.

2. Keep your event compliant with the law.

2. Keep your event compliant with the law.

You already have an unwritten policy: comply with Iowa law. Even if you decide not to create a custom policy, your local Tobacco Prevention Coordinator can talk with you about the guidelines for the Smokefree Air act to ensure your event is in compliance with Iowa’s smoke free laws.For example:

“No-smoking signs which meet the requirements of the law must be clearly posted at all entrances to areas where smoking is prohibited. This includes the designated seating areas of outdoor entertainment venues.”

“A proprietor must inform any individual smoking in a place where smoking is prohibited that the individual is violating the Smokefree Air Act and request that the individual stop smoking immediately.”

You can also find out more about the Smoke Free Air Act by visiting www.iowasmokefreeair.gov. However, you can go one step further and create a policy that holds your event to a higher stan-dard, such as posting posters/materials to help people quit or deter people from starting to use tobacco or giving a small discount on ticket price for those who sign a tobacco free pledge. These materials are available from Helping Services. The Tobacco Prevention Coordinators there may also be able to provide you with free signage and free resources for anyone who is interested in quitting smoking.

Get started now on developing your own policy. On the next page are some policy suggestions.

Create A Tobacco Free Policy For Your Event

1. State the purpose of your policy Consider the following statement:The purpose of this policy is to establish a tobacco free environment for the health of all of those who attend, work and volunteer at our event.

2. State that there will be no tobacco use allowed, and that this will apply to everyone at all times.Consider the following statement: (Name your event or organization) will not allow tobacco to be used during this event, or at the event site. This policy applies at all times to all of those in attendance.

3. Policy communicationHow will you communicate your policy? Suggestions include: press releases, website announcements, public service announcements, printed ticket reminders, event materials and instructions, event maps, and all other forms of communication (both internal and external) about the event.

4. Event signageContact your local Tobacco Prevention Coordinator. They may be able to offer you free signage for your event. Ensure that there are that numerous easy-to-read posters or signs are posted prominently at the event, including at entrances, exits, and other appropriate areas.

5. Policy EnforcementConsider who you will expect to enforce your policy. Will it be event staff? What will happen if someone is found violating your policy?

6. Policy ViolationsWhat will happen if someone violates your policy? Will they be asked to dispose of their tobacco immediately? Will they be asked to leave if there are repeat infractions?

Would you like assistance creating a customized tobacco free policy for your event? Call Helping Services and ask for the Tobacco Prevention Coordi-nator. They will be able to provide you with additional information and model policies.

Prevention Specialists can also provide you with information or assistance in developing marijuana and alcohol policies for your event.

Helping Services for Northeast Iowa Dubuque Office: 563-582-5317Decorah Office: 563-387-1720www.helpingservices.org

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HELPINGSERVICESNORTHEAST IOWA