Village of Bellaire joins growing list of tobacco-free communities in Northern Michigan!
Health Department and SAFE in Northern Michigan congratulates the Village of Bellaire, local communities for going tobacco-free
The Health Department of Northwest Michigan and SAFE in Northern Michigan recognize the Village of Bellaire for its commitment to maintaining a healthy community. The Village Council recently passed a resolution prohibiting the use of all tobacco products—cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes— in its parks and beaches, with the exception of rented outdoor spaces including the Richardi Park Gazebo, Pavilion and Craven Park Campground. The Village of Bellaire joins many other local jurisdictions in Northern Michigan by banning tobacco use in designated public areas.
“We want to congratulate Bellaire for going tobacco-free, and we encourage other jurisdictions to do the same,” said Amy Brown , Community Health Coordinator at the Health Department and SAFE in Northern Michigan coalition member. “Banning tobacco in these areas is a giant step forward in protecting the health of our communities and the environment.”
In addition to Bellaire, the following municipalities have designated their parks and beaches as either tobacco-free or smoke-free:
- Village of Pellston
- Village of Alanson
- Boyne City
- City of Charlevoix
- City of East Jordan
- City of Petoskey
- Camp Petosega—playground and beach areas (operated by Emmet County)
- City of Harbor Springs—Zorn Park, beach, docks
- Otsego Lake County Park Playground (operated by Otsego County)
Private parks and organizations are also encouraged to take action against tobacco use. Charlevoix, Petoskey and Boyne City Public Libraries and the Petoskey Youth Soccer Association Click Road Soccer Complex are other examples of area tobacco-free campuses.
The Health Department of Northwest Michigan is mandated by the Michigan Public Health Code to promote wellness, prevent disease, provide quality healthcare, address health problems of vulnerable populations, and protect the environment for the residents and visitors of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties. To learn more, call (800)432-4121 or visit www.nwhealth.org.
