For more information contact:

Joseph Thornton, Media Coordinator/Public Information Specialist
Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs
West Virginia Department of health and Human Resources
Phone: 304-558-7899 Fax: 304-558-7075
Cell: 304-546-7960 e-mail: josephthornton@wvdhhr.org

For immediate release

For immediate release

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Tobacco Prevention Program, recently received national recognition for its clean indoor air accomplishments.

The Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights acknowledged the efforts put forth by the state in establishing 100 percent smoke-free, clean indoor air regulations around the state. The program is designed to acknowledge states that excel in passing laws that establish smoke-free environments.

"On behalf of Americans for Nonsmokers Rights, congratulations is extended to the public health community, tobacco control coalition members and grassroots advocates in West Virginia for their commitment to public health and their smoke-free policy efforts," said Cynthia Hallett, executive director of ANR.

States are monitored throughout the year by ANR for their efforts in passing clean indoor air regulations in communities. West Virginia joins Massachusetts and Oregon in receiving the awards. Currently 46 of West Virginia’s 55 counties have some sort of clean indoor air regulation protecting 87 percent of the state’s residents from secondhand smoke.

For more information about West Virginia’s clean indoor air efforts, contact the Bureau for Public Health at 304-558-2971.

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