Grass Valley City Park Becomes Tobacco-Vape Free
Date: Nov. 15, 2024
To: All Media
From: Martha McInnes, Director, North Central Public Health District
Contact: Mikey Goyette, Communications Coordinator, mikeyg@ncphd.org
Grass Valley has adopted a smoke/vape-free parks policy, and four new signs promoting the policy –- and offering free cessation help from North Central Public Health District – will soon be displayed throughout the park.
The Grass Valley City Council adopted the smoke/vape free policy earlier this fall, after one of the city councilors saw a press release about the city of Wasco recently adopting its own policy and getting NCPHD-provided signs to promote it.
Grass Valley City Councilor Bonne Whitley had called NCPHD last summer asking if her city could also get signs. The council unanimously voted in September to adopt the policy, and the signs arrived last week.
Whitley said, “Grass Valley is pleased to have our public park going smoke free/vape free for the safety of those visiting and for the safety of our children. It will provide a cleaner environment for all ages to enjoy our park.”
The sign provides a QR code that takes people to NCPHD’s website, at https://www.ncphd.org/tobacco-programs where they can sign up for free in-person tobacco cessation counseling for all ages, and free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges for those 18 and older in Sherman, Wasco and Hood River counties.
“I’m thrilled to have Grass Valley join Wasco and other regional jurisdictions in promoting a healthy environment for people enjoying local parks,” said Neita Cecil, Tobacco Prevention and Education Program Coordinator at NCPHD. “Importantly, tobacco-free spaces like this can help discourage youth from starting a highly addictive nicotine habit.”
Tobacco-free policies also help reduce littering and fire danger from discarded butts, and help people who have quit or are trying to quit, since they are not triggered by seeing someone smoke or vape.
Cecil encouraged any organization or group that is interested in establishing tobacco-free properties to reach out to her at neitac@ncphd.org or call her at 541-506-2609.
(For more information, please contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600, visit us on the web at www.ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.)