Local businesses to be recognized for smoke-free environments

Extra Mile Award honors those that have gone above and beyond

RENO, Nev, June 27, 2018 - Smoke-free environments are more in demand now than ever. For many local businesses it makes sense to be smoke-free. The Washoe County Health District's Chronic Disease Prevention Program (CDPP) works to empower Washoe County businesses and communities to be tobacco-free. As part of this effort, the CDPP recognizes businesses that provide smoke-free environments for customers, visitors, and employees by awarding them with the Extra Mile Award.

The Extra Mile Award honors businesses that have gone above and beyond the requirements of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act making the conscious decision to go smoke-free when the law does not require them to. The 2018 Extra Mile Awards will be presented to:

• Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation
• FacesNV

The Washoe County District Board of Health will publicly recognize the awardees at their regular monthly meeting, on Thursday, June 28, at the Washoe County Administration Complex Commission Chambers, Building A, at 1001 East Ninth Street.

Being smoke-free is an integral part of the business model of both awardees. When Washoe County residents visit their local parks for a Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation (TMPF) program, they can enjoy the programming without exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke. Smoke-free/vape-free park programming aligns with the Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative that promotes the idea that the health of parks is integrally related to the health of citizens. The second awardee, Faces NV, is a nightclub that has been smoke-free since it opened in June 2017. When asked what made their facility decide to go smoke-free owners/managers Terry Sidie and Cody Koch said, they wanted to create a place where people can enjoy the environment without the smell and irritation of cigarette smoke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to secondhand smoke from burning tobacco products causes disease and premature death among nonsmokers. "I'm happy to celebrate the EMA awardees each year because it shows the support in our community for healthy, smoke-free environments," said Kitty Jung, chair of the Washoe County District Board of Health. "There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure, which can be harmful in many ways including increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases," Jung said.

The Washoe County Health District considers the negative effects of tobacco use and exposure to be a priority health issue for our community and works with local businesses, housing professionals, and community partners to educate about and enhance smoke-free initiatives.

# # #