The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Our combined professional experience spans 45 years of providing tobacco education, prevention, trainings, cessation programs, respiratory therapy, and asthma education. We became community activists in order to pass a Clean Indoor Air Ordinance (CIA) in Centerville, Ohio, the first CIA law in southwest Ohio.

Methods: Two authors are Centerville residents and one author was employed as the community coordinator for the Smokefree Centerville coalition. A campaign kickoff was held and a leadership committee formed to educate residents about the dangers of secondhand smoke. A city council member who was also a pediatrician became our “champion.” Individual meetings took place with city council members and business owners to discuss the merits of passing a 100% smokefree law. Breathe Clean Air educational postcards were mailed to residents and businesses. Phone bank, meetings with church leaders and involving youth were part of the strategy. People attended public hearings and testified. Advocates greatly outnumbered opponents. Our leadership committee was optimistic and assertive.

Results: Despite discussing plans between council and advocates for months, the city council chose business concerns over health issues. The ordinance passed by majority rule in 2004. Of 700 businesses, 694 went smokefree in 2005. Five bars were exempt because they claimed that 55% of their total revenue came from alcohol. The outcome was disappointing. Yet, other communities nearby may consider passing ordinances. Healthcare professionals must become aware of the power they have to impact public policy issues. The authors are now collecting signatures to make Ohio smokefree in 2006.