Smoke Free St. Joe (SFSJ), a coalition of dozens of local, state and national partners, are working together to create healthier and safer communities by providing tobacco education to reduce tobacco use, promoting tobacco cessation to help smokers quit, and supporting stronger smokefree policies that prevent unnecessary exposure to secondhand smoke throughout our community . The coalition, established in 2009 (previously known as Tobacco Free St. Joseph County Coalition), has worked with health organizations, civic groups, businesses and schools countywide to reduce the burden of tobacco use on our community and increase everyones quality of life.
In 2011, its estimated that nearly 24 percent of St. Joseph County residents still smoke. Thats higher than Indianas average of 21 percent and the national average of 18 percent. Approximately 425 deaths of St. Joseph County residents were attributed to smoking in 2011. An additional 52 nonsmoker deaths were attributable to secondhand smoke exposure. In addition to death, its estimated that about 16 percent of our countys pregnant woman smoke while pregnant-- and nearly 600 babies were affected by health complications due to their smoke exposure.
The numbers dont lie-- tobacco is the enemy in a fight St. Joseph County needs to win!
Our coalitions strength is made up of great partners in it to win the fight against tobacco.
Features:
- Interactive Event Calendar
- Social Media Connection
- Smoke Free Venue Locator
- Image Gallery
- Violation Reporter
- Quit Now Information
- Calculate The Cost Tool
- Community Share Wall
- More...