The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) will commemorate the first anniversary of New Jersey’s Smoke Free Air Act, which eliminated smoking in workplaces and public buildings, including bars and restaurants. A press conference will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at the Health and Agriculture Building, Warren and Market Streets, Trenton.

Health and Senior Services Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs, M.D., J.D., will be joined by New Jersey State Senator John H. Adler (D-6) to discuss the successful implementation of the Smoke Free Air Act.  Senator Adler was the prime sponsor of the bill which was implemented on April 15, 2006.

Commissioner Jacobs will discuss the positive health impacts and the strong public support the new law has received as it protects patrons and employees from the effects of secondhand smoke.

Attending will be representatives of the New Jersey Local Health Officers Association, including Kevin Sumners, president; John Hopper, past-president; and Peter Tabbot, president-elect. Also participating will be Georgine DiMaria, Lodi, the reigning Miss New Jersey, a staunch non-smoking advocate who heads hers own non-profit asthma fundraising organization.

Note: DHSS will provide teleconference capabilities for reporters. To obtain the call-in information, call Stacy Cimino at (609) 984-7160.

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