Tobacco Prevention and Education Program

Time to Quit

 

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and disease. Every year tobacco use kills almost 7,000 Oregonians. Secondhand smoke causes an additional 625 deaths in Oregon annually. The Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) works to reduce tobacco-related illness and death. It is a comprehensive program that addresses the issue of second-hand smoke, works to counter pro-tobacco influences, and helps people quit smoking or using tobacco products. Due to the TPEP program cigarette consumption has declined by 50 percent. 

Law and Regulation

The Oregon's Indoor Clean Air Act also know as the Smoke free Workplace Law covers all places of employment. This includes bars, bingo halls and bowling centers, as well as 75 percent of hotel and motel sleeping rooms and all employee break-rooms. In addition, every Oregon business is required to maintain a 10-foot smoke-free zone around doors, windows, and ventilation systems. 

Enforcement

Employees and the public can help ensure that the law is followed by reporting violations. If you have a violation to report, please call the Morrow County Health Department at 541-676-5421 or call 1-866-621-6107. You may also complete an online complaint form at www.healthoregon.org/smokefree. The complaint will be processed by the State and then forwarded to Morrow County for verification and follow-up. Response measures for non-compliance can progress from a letter, to site visits, and the monetary fines. 

Resources

For smokers, especially the 73 percent who want to quit, there's never been a better time to kick the habit. There are many ways to quit tobacco that are proven to help smokers for good. The Oregon Tobacco Quit Line provides free help and coaching for those who want to quit, as well as access to other resources. Call: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or for Spanish 1-877-2NO-FUME (1-877-266-3863).

For More Information

Contact Morrow County Public Health at 541-676-5421.