Smoke Signals: Whitman-Walker Joins Efforts to Prohibit Smoking

Publication Date: 2005-03-31

• Author:Will O'Bryan
• Publication:Metro Weekly (Washington, DC)

In Washington's ongoing tug-o-war over tobacco, the Whitman-Walker Clinic Board of Directors voted late last month to support expansion of the city's smoke-free workplace laws to include the city's nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

"As the leading provider of HIV-related medical care and social services and as a provider of LGBT health services, Whitman-Walker Clinic must take a stand in support of legislation that would provide the most protection to the community at large," said Roberta Geidner-Antoniotti, the clinic's interim executive director, in a prepared statement. "We believe it is in the best interest of our current and future clients and for the community we serve to help pass smoke-free workplace legislation and make D.C. a healthier place for all of its citizens."

The current legislation on the City Council's plate is the Smokefree Workplaces Act of 2005 and the Occupational Safety and Health Amendment Act of 2005. Both items are sitting in the council's Committee for Public Works and the Environment, chaired by Carol Schwartz (R-At Large).

"I think this is a large step in framing this as an issue for LGBT and HIV-positive individuals. . . .