ClearWay Minnesota(SM) is Available for Comment on Three-Year Anniversary of State's Smoke-Free Law and What is Ahead

WHAT:

ClearWay Minnesota, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the harm of tobacco, is available for interviews regarding the three-year anniversary of the Freedom to Breathe Act. The law took effect on Oct. 1, 2007 and made all Minnesota indoor workplaces, including bars, restaurants and private clubs, smoke-free.

WHY:

Three years after the implementation of the Freedom to Breathe Act, the law is still very popular and ignites few complaints and violations. But while Minnesota's smoke-free law has protected Minnesotans from secondhand smoke and neighboring states also have gone smoke-free, national smoking rates have stagnated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Minnesota has a long history of health leadership, but the costs of tobacco use are still too high: 5,500 Minnesota deaths and more than $2 billion in related health care costs each year. Minnesota needs to move forward with proven strategies, such as higher tobacco prices, to reduce tobacco use.

WHEN:

Freedom to Breathe Anniversary – Friday, Oct. 1, 2010

Radio Actuality – Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010

Interview Availability – Ongoing by request

WHO:

David Willoughby, Chief Executive Officer of ClearWay Minnesota

ClearWay Minnesota serves Minnesota through its grant-making program, QUITPLAN® stop-smoking services and statewide outreach activities. It is funded with 3 percent of the state's 1998 tobacco settlement. For more information on ClearWay Minnesota or QUITPLAN Services, call (952) 767-1400 or visit clearwaymn.org.