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Monday, August 9, 2021

Ky. Center for Smoke-Free Policy honors communities, groups and individuals who work to create smoke-free communities

McCracken County Family, Career and Community Leaders of America got the Smoke-free Youth Advocate Award for pushing secondhand-smoke education and smoke-free policy. (Univ. of Ky. photo)

By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News

The Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy at the University of Kentucky honored communities, groups and individuals from across the state who are making progress in creating healthier, smoke-free communities Aug. 3 at a virtual awards ceremony.

“The actions taken by these remarkable government, health, and youth leaders to protect the public health is truly inspiring,” Ellen Hahn, professor of nursing and KCSP director, said in a news release. “Despite challenges, all sectors of the community are coming together to attack the massive health and economic threat from tobacco use in the commonwealth.”

The event was also hosted by the Kentucky Tobacco Prevention Program, the state Department for Public Health and the UK College of Nursing

State Health Commissioner Steven Stack opened the meeting with praise for the advocates who work to promote smoke-free policies across the state, while acknowledging that there is more work to be done.

"You have saved lives and improved health and well-being in the Commonwealth of Kentucky through your efforts and your actions," he said. 

This year's awards include: 

The McCracken County chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America earned the Smoke-free Youth Advocate Award for excellence in promoting secondhand-smoke education and smoke-free policy.

The Lee T. Todd Jr. Smoke-free Hero Award was presented to Anthany Beatty, retired assistant vice president for public safety at UK, for his courage, leadership, perseverance, and continuous commitment to smoke- and tobacco-free environments in the face of adversity.

Felicia Troutman of Owensboro Health, received the Timothy W. Mullett, M.D., Lung Cancer Prevention Award for her leadership, devotion, and passion toward preventing the disease.

The Lifetime Achievement in Tobacco Control Award was presented to Donna Teegarden, retired health promotion manager with the Bracken County Health Department, for her exceptional leadership in tobacco control.

Rebecca Horn of the Green River District
Health Department was named the David B. 
Stevens Smoke-free Advocate of the Year.

Madison County Schools received the Tobacco-free Campus Award for their leadership and collaborative efforts in promoting a healthy campus environment by implementing a 100% tobacco-free campus policy.

Knott County received the Everette Varney Smoke-free Indoor Air Excellence Award for enacting a comprehensive smoke-free workplace ordinance.

Rebecca Horn, public health services manager at the Green River District Health Department, was named the David B. Stevens, M.D., Smoke-free Advocate of the Year for excellence in promoting secondhand smoke education and smoke-free policy. 

Three additional advocates were nominated by their peers for this award: Shirley Roberson Daulton (Lake Cumberland District Health Department), Sherrie Stidham (Kentucky River District Health Department), and Breanna Williams (Northern Kentucky District Health Department).

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