MEDIA ADVISORY

Event to Mark One of LA County’s First Workplace Bans on Vaping

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WHAT: A public ribbon-cutting event to mark the implementation of one of the county’s first strict workplace bans on tobacco smoking/vaping on indoor and outdoor premises at South Central Family Health Center’s nine clinics.

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WHO: State and local officials, anti-tobacco advocates and health care coalitions working to end the growing deadly epidemic of flavored e-cigarette use by youth and other vulnerable populations.

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WHEN: Monday, October 28, 2019 10-10:30 a.m. be at the SCFHC Medical and Dental Building, 4415 S. Central Ave. Los Angeles.

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HOW: By implementing a comprehensive education and referral program to assist staff, patients and the community to learn about harmful effects of tobacco products and ways to end its use in our community

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SOUTH CENTRAL FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

TAKES THE LEAD IN TOTAL BAN OF VAPING

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On the heels of the growing deadly epidemic of flavored e-cigarette use among youths and other vulnerable populations, South Central Family Health Center in Los Angeles (SCFHC) is taking the lead in implementing a strict policy prohibiting smoking and vaping on all company premises, including parking areas.

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The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting 10 a.m. October 28 to mark the launch of a comprehensive anti-tobacco campaign among staff and patients at all nine clinic sites. The event will be at the SCFHC Medical and Dental Building, 4415 S. Central Ave. Los Angeles.

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“We are proud to be one of the first organizations in Los Angeles County to implement a total ban on tobacco use anywhere on our property, including outdoor areas,” said Richard A. Veloz, chief executive officer of SCFHC.

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“Fifty years after we learned that smoking can be deadly, we are facing a renewed threat from the predatory tobacco industry,” he said. “We are taking a strong stand against the use and advertising of tobacco products, especially flavored e-cigarettes, which are creating a new health crisis in our community,” he said.

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“As a health care organization serving and advocating for more than 22,000 community members in low income neighborhoods, we need to raise awareness about the harm these products cause to the health and wellbeing of the young and those already afflicted with respiratory problems,” Veloz added.

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In collaboration with Worksite Wellness LA, SCFHC is promoting free counseling and tobacco cessation medications for Medi-Cal and Medicare patients and anyone insured by a Covered California health insurance plan.

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The new policy defines smoking as the "act of lighting, smoking or carrying a lighted or smoldering cigar, cigarette or pipe of any kind." Vaping refers to the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems or electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-hookahs and e-cigars.

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Employees, patients and visitors at all SCFHC clinics are being educated about the new policy and receive cessation assistance with resources and support provided by Compadres for Tobacco-Free Los Angeles County, a state-funded program aimed at decreasing tobacco-related health disparities in Latinx communities.

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Compadres is a partnership of the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the American Lung Association and Worksite Wellness LA.

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“We are pleased to collaborate with local, state, and national organizations to heighten awareness of the detrimental effects of tobacco and tobacco products on families,” said Debra Duardo, LA County superintendent of schools.

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For information, visit compadreslac.org.