1. Building Momentum for Smoke-Free Ordinances National Conference on Tobacco or Health Chicago, Illinois May 5, 2005

2. Presented by: Margaret Lebak, BS Outreach Coordinator Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control North Dakota Department of Health

3. Objectives Describe a new tool kit used to promote tobacco-free workplaces Describe how tobacco-free policies lead to community support for smoke-free ordinances

5. Committee Recommendations Use local information and resources. Show how each smoker adds to the cost for a business. Give examples of how a business will save money by becoming tobacco-free.

6. What does it include? Facts about tobacco Benefits of being tobacco-free –Protect employees’ health –Lower costs –Increase Productivity –Reduce Absenteeism –Protect the business from possible liability

7. A formula is provided to help employers calculate the cost per smoking employee.

8. Expert Quotes “Going smoke-free has been extremely successful for us. Keep in mind that most people don’t smoke. It has been a very positive experience, I only regret I didn’t do it sooner.” -Representative Mark Dosch, Expressway Inn and Suites, Pony Express Lounge, Bismarck, ND (December 2004)

9. Inside the tool kit Implementation timeline Sample tobacco-free policy Posters Recommendations for success Cessation information

10. WHY? Be Tobacco-Free  Tobacco use is the leading cause of death in North Dakota. Smoking kills more people than AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse, car crashes, murders and fires – combined. - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

11. Other features “Make It Your Business” video and CD promoting clean indoor air Business certificates Tobacco-Free Building and Ground window clings Resources

12. Coordinator training Small groups Review of the tool kit and video Questions and Answers Role playing Suggestions for success

13. How is it used? Letter of introduction and personal contact Business flyer to introduce the tool kit Sharing the tool kit and video Suggestions on how to start Tool kit evaluation Follow-up

14. How do employers start? Seek employee support. Let employees participate in planning. Focus on the health and safety of everyone. Implement incentives. Time with national events such as the Great American Smokeout.

15. When to Start

16. Toolkit and posters: http://www.ndtobaccoprevention.net/ SmokeFreeEnvironments/Employers Toolkit.htm

17. Education leads to... Public awareness and support; Tobacco-Free Workplace policies; Community support; Local community ordinances; Statewide support; and Statewide smoking legislation.

18. Educate! Educate! Educate! Then Legislate!

19. North Dakota Passes Smoke-Free Legislation In April 2005, the North Dakota Legislature passed a smoke-free law covering all public places and worksites, with a few exemptions.

20. In Summary The tobacco-free tool kit promotes tobacco-free workplaces. The tool kit helps businesses to cut costs and improve the health of all employees. The tool kit leads to community support for public policy.