A letter to the editor from the Howard County Tobacco Prevention Coalition
Summer in Indiana means community events, local festivals, outdoor concerts, sporting events, and time spent in our parks. These gatherings bring families, friends, and neighbors together, and they should be healthy spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Smoke-free environments help protect community members from exposure to secondhand smoke and aerosol from e-cigarettes. According to the CDC, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, which can increase the risk of heart disease, respiratory illness, asthma attacks, and other serious health concerns.
Here in Howard County, we are fortunate to have a strong, 100-percent smoke-free air ordinance that helps protect residents and visitors in many public spaces, including public events and enclosed public places. Howard County’s ordinance also includes protections for sports arenas and designated community spaces, helping create healthier environments for families and children.
Smoke-free parks and community events also help reduce tobacco-related litter, including cigarette butts and vape waste, which can negatively impact our environment and public spaces.
Creating smoke-free environments is not about excluding people, it’s about promoting cleaner air, healthier communities, and safer spaces for children and families.
As Howard County continues to celebrate summer events and traditions, we encourage our community to support healthy environments where everyone can breathe easier and enjoy the season together.
Free resources are available for those looking to quit tobacco or nicotine, including Quit Now Indiana at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or QuitNowIndiana.com.