Euclid goes smoke free

Euclid Mayor Bill Cervenik announced Wednesday that the city will enforce a "tobacco-free" policy at public facilities, effective Nov. 15. The administrative measure is aimed primarily at city employees, though the decision also affects private citizens who visit municipal buildings and properties. City parks are not included in the tobacco ban. According to Cervenik, Ohio law already prohibits smoking not only in public buildings, but also within 25 feet of an entrance to any public structure. Cervenik, who quit smoking 28 years ago, says, "the change is not meant to be punitive ... We want to offer support and encourage city employees to lead healthier lives."

Cervenik points out that Euclid employees and their families have access to smoking cessation programs through a partnership with the Cleveland Clinic's Euclid Hospital and through the city's health insurer, Medical Mutual. Cleveland Clinic specialists are slated to offer one-on-one meetings and group sessions with city workers over the next 60 days, as the ban approaches. The sessions not only emphasize the benefits of discontinuing tobacco use, but also provide tips for adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Dr. Mark Froimson, president of Euclid hospital, remarks, "through this program, we will dedicate the necessary personnel, facilities and time to ensure participants succeed in embracing healthy, tobacco-free lifestyles." Froimson notes that quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart disease, improves lung function and leads to better circulation. The city of Euclid also regularly provides health screenings for employees. In addition, the mayor is working with the city's 10 unions to form an employee healthcare committee that will create programs and offer incentives for positive lifestyle changes. Cervenik emphasizes healthcare costs involved with smoking.

In a recent press release, Cervenik comments, "we believe that this policy will also help reduce our healthcare costs, which totals approximately 10 percent of our budget, not only by helping employees quit or reduce their tobacco use, but also by eliminating the negative health effects of second- and third-hand smoke."Cervenik explains that reduced city healthcare costs free up tax dollars for other uses. The tobacco ban applies to workers who are on the clock and on city property, though Cervenik hopes employees will carry over the tobacco-free policy to their private lives as well. Punishments for Euclid city employees who defy the ban will follow normal disciplinary channels.