Life After the Non-Smokers Protection Act

Publication Date: 2008-01-01

• Author:CINDY SANDERS
• Publication:East Tennessee Medical News

This year, as with most, many Tennesseans will resolve to quit smoking. The goal for 2008, however, is to ensure that more of those who quit are able to kick their tobacco addiction for good.

To that end, Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper is excited about the strengthened support system the state now has in place. It’s been three months since the state went smoke free with the implementation of a broad smoking ban, which took effect Oct. 1, 2007.

Now that the air has cleared, the commissioner said there are several early indicators that are cause for excitement.

First, the anticipated outcry over the new law turned out to be barely a whimper...