EP Prevention Coalition Asks Folks to Go Smoke-Free

The Health Department and EP Prevention Coalition (EPPC) are encouraging Rhode Islanders to take the “Pledge to Live Smoke Free” this month - and the Housing Authority has already stepped up.

On Sept. 1, the East Providence Housing Authority enacted a smoke-free building policy, said Jennifer Wall, Executive Director of the EPPC. "Having a voice in your community is the first step in creating change.  And you won’t be alone.  There are many others in East Providence that are already on board," Wall said.

The East Providence Prevention Coalition went that route itself about a year ago, Wall said.

If you're wondering which spot people would most like to see go smoke free next, so is the EPPC. The prevention coalition has posted an online pledge form were people can choose which places they would like to see go smoke-free and explain why.  Examples include the individual’s own home, parks, beaches, recreational areas. Pledgers are then be directed to resources that can educate them on the steps to adopting smoke-free policies.

Pledges can be made online at www.livesmokefree.ri.gov and at www.facebook.com/livesmokefreeri and video versions of the pledge can be uploaded to Youtube channel with the title “Pledge to Live Smokefree”.