The Village of Dodson passes Smoke-Free Ordinance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2024

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Valerie Huntley

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL)

Phone: (504) 338-8566

Email: vhuntley@lphi.org

The Village of Dodson Becomes Louisiana’s 36th Smoke-Free Municipality

Celebrating a Healthy Future with the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living

DODSON, LA – The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) is pleased to announce that the Village of Dodson has officially become the 36th municipality in Louisiana to adopt a comprehensive indoor smoke-free ordinance. This monumental decision marks a significant achievement not only for TFL’s mission to foster healthier communities but also for the residents and visitors of Dodson, who can now enjoy their village free from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

On Tuesday, October 1, the Village of Dodson’s Council unanimously voted to implement this smoke-free ordinance, signaling a strong commitment to prioritizing the health of the community. Mitzi LaSalle, TFL Regional Manager for Central Louisiana, provided invaluable resources to the Mayor and Council, highlighting the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. These insights empowered the governing body to make an informed choice that benefits all. With this new ordinance, Dodson joins the Louisiana municipalities who have embraced a smoke-free lifestyle, reinforcing their dedication to safeguarding public health and enhancing the economic vitality of the community.

Nestled in northern Louisiana, Dodson is a charming village located near Kisatchie National Forest, offering residents scenic landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities. The village is also known as the birthplace of Morgan W. Walker, Sr., a notable local businessman, who was the Director of the transcontinental bus system, president and founder of Roemer Dairy Systems and chairman of the former Guaranty Bank and Trust of Alexandria. The Village of Dodson also has its annual Fall Festival where attendees can look forward to an array of family-friendly activities.

The smoke-free ordinance went into effect on October 2, making Dodson the 1^st village in Winn Parish to pass a comprehensive indoor smoke-free ordinance. The entire TFL team extends heartfelt congratulations to Mayor Richie Broomfield and the Council for prioritizing the health of their residents and visitors.

“Here in the Village of Dodson, we cherish the shared values that bind our community,” said Mayor Richie Broomfield. “Adopting a smoke-free policy not only enhances our growth but also demonstrates that, despite our small size, we are a progressive village committed to making Dodson a wonderful place to call home. Standing alongside the other smoke-free municipalities, we demonstrate that this ordinance is vital for our health and prosperity.”

The smoke-free measure protects residents and visitors from the serious health risks of secondhand smoke. Here are some key facts:

Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and about 70 are known to cause cancer.
Just 20 minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke indoors can significantly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Currently, only 30% of Louisiana residents are protected from secondhand smoke.
Approximately 27% of Louisiana adults use tobacco products.

“This is a remarkable landmark victory for the Village of Dodson being the 1^st village in Winn Parish to pass a comprehensive indoor smoke-free ordinance,” stated Mitzi LaSalle, TFL Regional Manager for Central Louisiana. “I am thrilled that our communities recognize that healthier environments lead to longer, more prosperous lives and I challenge the rest of the villages in Winn Parish to join the path to becoming a smoke-free Louisiana.”

It’s estimated that half of American adults have been unknowingly exposed to toxic secondhand smoke, which carries serious health risks, including chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease, respiratory issues, and cancers. There is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure; even minimal exposure can be harmful.

By enacting this smoke-free ordinance, the Village of Dodson is paving the way for a cleaner, healthier community where residents can thrive. “The dangers of secondhand smoke are profound, and we must prioritize the health of our communities,” emphasized Dr. Earl Benjamin-Robinson, Senior Director of Tobacco Control & Prevention for TFL. “We celebrate communities like Dodson that are committed to eliminating the threats posed by tobacco. Our TFL Regional Managers are dedicated to fostering relationships with local leaders and educating communities about the risks of tobacco and vaping products, helping to drive meaningful change.”

Creating smoke-free indoor environments is a crucial step toward healthier living and economic growth. The Village of Dodson has chosen a path that prioritizes smoke-free spaces, contributing to the ongoing efforts to protect everyone from the silent threat of secondhand smoke.

For more information on the movement to protect all Louisiana employees from secondhand smoke, visit www.HealthierAirForAll.org. Individuals interested in quitting tobacco products can visit www.QuitWithUsLa.org or call 1-800-Quit-Now.

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The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL), a program of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center and the Louisiana Public Health Institute, engages in local and statewide tobacco control policy efforts that focus on tobacco prevention and initiation among youth, eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, promote cessation services, and identify and eliminate tobacco-related disparities. TFL is guided by best practices in tobacco control as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, effective and promising practices of tobacco control programs in effect nationwide, and from the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (e.g., National Institute of Cancer’s Scientific Priorities). For more information visit www.tobaccofreeliving.org. To find out more about the dangers of secondhand smoke and show your support for a smoke-free Louisiana, visit www.healthierairforall.org. To learn more about quitting tobacco, visit www.quitwithusla.org.

The Village of Dodson

At Village of Dodson, we are defined by a sense of shared values our residents hold dear. Small town values and guided growth are just a few of the core principles that make our community a wonderful place to call home. For more information visit https://dodson.myruralwater.com/.