Tennessee Health Commissioner Honored As Lung Association “Advocate of the Year”

Tennessee Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has been recognized by the American Lung Association of Tennessee as its Advocate of the Year. Cooper received the award during a luncheon in Nashville today, as part of the organization’s second annual Women’s Lung Health Conference.

ALAT is honoring Cooper for her advocacy of the Tennessee Non-Smokers Protection Act, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year and signed into law by Governor Phil Bredesen in June. The new law became effective October 1.

“This law may be the most significant public health action Tennessee will take in our lifetime. This ban will help save lives by protecting those who live in, work in and visit Tennessee from the deadly impact of tobacco smoke,” said Cooper. “Governor Bredesen deserves significant credit for his leadership and support in passing the legislation. I truly am honored to be part of his leadership team.”

“Tobacco control is a top priority in the mission of the American Lung Association, and we are so grateful to have this partnership with Commissioner Cooper and the Tennessee Department of Health in helping us save and protect the lives and lung health of Tennesseans,” said Margaret Smith, director of lung health programs for ALAT.

The Department of Health, along with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, is charged with enforcing the Non-Smokers Protection Act. Officials investigate complaints of violations of the law and work to ensure compliance in facilities in which smoking is now prohibited. Violations may be reported via the Web at http://health.state.tn.us/smokefreetennessee/default.aspx, or by calling 1-800-293-8228.

The Department of Health also offers a free service for Tennesseans who want to quit using tobacco products. The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine provides personalized, individual assistance through a “Quit Coach” to help users develop a customized plan to quit smoking or using spit or chew tobacco. The QuitLine can be reached toll-free by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

For more information on quitting tobacco use or about the Non-Smokers Protection Act, visit the Smokefree Tennessee Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/smokefreetennessee/.

To learn more about the American Lung Association of Tennessee, visit http://alatn.org/.