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Tobacco
Policy Research to Air on Research Channel
Media Contact: Ann Blackford, (859) 323-6363,
x230
Tobacco Policy research conducted by Ellen Hahn,
professor in the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, and
colleagues will be featured on the Research Channel May 27 and
28. The community engagement and research efforts of Hahn and
her team resulted in the passage of a smoke-free ordinance in
Lexington, Ky., in 2003, one of the first cities in Kentucky to
do so. Since that time, 20 additional Kentucky communities have
enacted smoke-free laws or regulations.
Studies conducted by Hahn's group of researchers
have provided information used by policymakers and community
advocates as they debate the smoke-free issue at the local
level. Hahn’s studies have shown that indoor air quality
improved dramatically, workers reported immediate positive
health effects, public opinion was favorable, fewer adults
smoked, and emergency department visits for asthma declined
after smoke-free laws were put in place.
Hahn and colleagues in economics have documented
that smoke-free laws do not harm business even in tobacco
country. In Lexington-Fayette County, there was a 32% drop in
adult smoking, resulting in a health care cost savings of $21
million per year.
“Findings from our multiple studies reveal that
smoke-free laws clear the air, promote health and save money,"
Hahn said. "Smoke-free is a good business decision."
Research Channel, headquartered at the University
of Washington in Seattle, Wash., was founded by a consortium of
leading research and academic institutions to share the valuable
work of their researchers with the public. ResearchChannel is
now available to nearly 38 million satellite and cable
television subscribers and is also available on more than 80
university-and school-based cable systems in the United States
and in other countries.
To learn more about the importance of smoke-free
ordinances and the effects they have on the community, tune in
to Research Channel (GMT), Channel 16 in Lexington, at 4:30
a.m., 10:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27,
and 7:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. Thursday, May
28. All times are Eastern Standard Time. The program will also
be aired on channel 9400 on the Dish Network, and is available
online.
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