Push is on for Ban of Smoking

A push for a statewide smoking ban has been under way for some time, garnering support from the state Department of Health and multiple smoke-free organizations across the state. Rankin County residents also are doing their part to ensure the possibility of a ban makes it through the state Legislature in the upcoming session next year. The Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition of Rankin, Scott & Simpson Counties operates out of its office on Airport Road. And coalition members are passionate about their mission. "If you look at other growing cities like those located within Rankin county, you will see that a smoke free ordinance can have a positive impact on businesses," said Amy Ellis, a coalition member. "I am a resident of Brandon and also frequent establishments in Flowood and Pearl, and they appear to be busy just like they were before their smoke free ordinances went into effect." Fellow coalition member Ilene Harned concurs. "I will not go into a restaurant that allows smoking," she said. "Information I have received as a member of the coalition confirms that ultimately business increases. Plus the health of employees also improves." "The fact remains, tobacco use and exposure to cigarette smoke have a direct effect on health and the economy," said Katherine Bryant, who works with the state's chapter of the American Heart Association. "Studies have been conducted in communities outside of Rankin County, and the results show that when communities are smoke-free, there is a reduction in heart attacks as well as significant healthcare cost savings." Bryant cited a study conducted by the Social Science Research Center that found a healthcare cost savings of $2.3 million in Hattiesburg, which passed a smoke-free ordinance in 2007. "If all workplaces were to implement 100 percent smoke-free policies, the reduction in heart attack rates due to exposure to secondhand smoke would save the U.S. $49 million in direct medical savings within the first year alone." Brandon resident Amber Beck recounted a tale of shopping in a Lakeland boutique that allowed smoking a few years ago, before Flowood enacted its smoking ban.