On the Road to a Healthier Kentucky: Smoke-Free KY Will Kick Off Statewide Tour To Fancy Farm

Tour Will Rally Public Support for Statewide Smoke-Free Law

LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's time to take a stand for better health and make Kentucky a smoke-free state.  That's the message the Smoke-Free Kentucky Coalition will be taking across the Commonwealth during their "Road to Fancy Farm" Tour July 30-August 4. The tour will make several stops across the state as it heads to western Kentucky for the annual Fancy Farm Picnic.

At each stop, the Smoke-Free Coalition will speak to the media, rally supporters and reach out to legislators urging them to join 23 other states in passing a comprehensive, statewide smoke-free law that covers all indoor workplaces, including bars and restaurants.  The goal of the tour is to get all Kentuckians, from each corner of the state, active and engaged in supporting the smoke-free campaign as we gear up for the 2013 legislative session.

Check out the schedule below and see when the Smoke-Free KY Tour will be in your community:

During the last legislative session, State Representative Susan Westrom introduced a comprehensive, statewide smoke-free workplace law. Although the bill did not pass, it will have more support in the 2013 legislative session than ever before.

Polling has shown that a majority of Kentucky voters, regardless of party affiliation, support a smoke-free law that includes all workplaces, restaurants and bars. In addition to hundreds of health organizations and community groups, many businesses and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce have strongly endorsed such a law in order to improve health and reduce health care costs. A poll of Chamber members also showed overwhelming support for a comprehensive statewide smoke-free workplace law.

The Smoke-Free Coalition is now working hard to spread the word and rally support from as many Kentuckians as possible before the 2013 session begins. "2013 is the year we are finally going to pass a smoke-free law and protect everyone's right to breathe clean air in Kentucky," said Amy Barkley, chairperson for the Smoke-Free Kentucky Coalition. "We know Kentuckians support going smoke-free, and we're touring the state to engage even more supporters." 

Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 deadly chemicals and is proven to cause heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory illnesses and even premature death. In fact, studies indicate that secondhand smoke exposure causes about 50,000 deaths per year in the United States.

It is time for Kentucky to make the right choice. No one should have to choose between their lives and their livelihoods.

To find out more information about how smoke-free policies are good for health and businesses visit: www.smokefreekentucky.org  

The Smoke-Free Kentucky Coalition includes the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, & other local health, businesses and community partners who are dedicated to making all indoor workplaces and public places in Kentucky smoke-free.

SOURCE Smoke-Free Kentucky Coalition