Beaufort County Makes County Properties Healthier | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: My apologies to Kelli Russell, and the Beaufort County Health Dept. for not publishing this until now. I just found it today.

News Release:

    Washington     Officials in Beaufort County passed a new ordinance that prohibits smoking and the use of other tobacco products and e-cigarettes in County buildings, vehicles and within fifty feet of all County buildings, beginning October 1, 2013.

    "State law allows County Commissioners to protect the health of public workers and visitors to County property by prohibiting smoking and the use of tobacco products. This is a major step in creating a healthier and cleaner work environment for all of our staff and the public," said Randell Woodruff, County Manager.

    The ordinance no longer allows smoking, the use of tobacco products, or e-cigarettes in any building owned, leased or occupied by the county, in any vehicle owned, leased or controlled by the county, and within fifty feet of all County buildings.

    If any of the municipalities within Beaufort County want to adopt the same ordinance, they can choose to adopt the ordinance by passing a resolution.

    "According to the Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke," said Sara Graham, Interim Health Director. "It's time for employees and citizens in Beaufort County to be protected from this known health hazard." Secondhand smoke is known to increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, heart attack and lung disease in nonsmokers.

    "No Smoke and Use of Tobacco Products Prohibited" signs will be purchased by the Beaufort County Health Department with funding through the Community Transformation Grant Project.

    Officials expect the measure to save money over the long-term by reducing health care costs for county employees. Employees and residents are encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider about quitting and use the free quitting support services of the North Carolina Tobacco Use Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).


    Kelli Russell, MPH, RHEd

    Preparedness Coordinator   •   Human Services Planner III
    Beaufort County Health Department

    Office: (252) 940-6528   •   Cell: (252) 402-5467   •   kelli.russell@bchd.net