Smoke-Free Air Advocacy Campaign

The Challenge: Secondhand Smoke in Public Hubs

Exposure to secondhand smoke carries significant health risks, with no risk-free level of exposure. It is linked to chronic diseases, cancer, and respiratory issues, posing a particular threat to children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting health conditions.

With the redesign of the library and transit center set to attract more visitors, it was a critical opportunity to ensure these public spaces were safe and healthy for everyone.

The Smoke-Free Air campaign aimed to:

• Protect vulnerable populations, including children using the new library, from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

• Educate city leaders and the public on the health imperative for expanding smoke-free areas.

• Advocate for an updated ordinance to prohibit smoking across the entire library and transit center blocks.

Our Action: Grassroots Advocacy and Community Engagement

CAHL focused on empowering community voices and providing practical advocacy resources throughout the campaign.

Our actions included:

• Sharing Talking Points: We developed and distributed clear talking points on the importance of a smoke-free library and transit center block, making it easier for advocates to effectively communicate the campaign’s goals.

• Resource Guides: Community members received helpful guidance on how to give public comments at City Council meetings, encouraging direct civic participation.

• Letter Writing Support: We provided templates for letters to the editor and constituent emails, along with tips for crafting impactful advocacy letters—making it simple for supporters to make their voices heard in both the media and with local officials.

• Social Media Outreach: CAHL created social media content to raise awareness and build community support for the proposed ordinance, ensuring wide visibility for the campaign.

The Smoke-Free Air campaign demonstrates our enduring commitment to using targeted advocacy to create lasting, positive change. It is a clear example of how thoughtful policy can protect community health for years to come.