The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective:

West Virginia Local Boards of Health have the authority to pass and enforce regulations eliminating secondhand smoke exposure in public places. However, with the myriad of responsibilities and duties Boards of Health and Health Departments have it is difficult for them to be experts in all areas. In order for locally passed Clean Indoor Air Regulations to be comprehensive and enforceable an expert needed to be readily available to assist. With this in mind the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention Developed the Smoke-Free Initiative of West Virginia.

Methods: An in depth discussion of Clean Indoor in West Virginia and an examination of techniques used in a nationally recognized clean indoor air program focused on elimination exposure to secondhand smoke by implementing local easily enforced regulations. Attendees will learn from the experience of the presenters: why the wording of regulations is important, how to gain public support, how to educate those who have authority pass regulations, how WV has guarded against preemption and about WV's legal battles

Results: West Virginia has been successful in implementing Clean Indoor Air regulations on a local level County by County. Currently 53 of West Virginia's 55 counties have a clean indoor air regulation protecting 98% of the population. The SFIWV is essential available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to provide technical assistance of eliminating secondhand smoke exposure.