|
Anniversary of ‘Freedom to Breathe’ celebrated here
|
|
|
By Tom Murphy
Caledonia Argus
The American Cancer Society (ACS) celebrated the one year anniversary of the “Freedom to Breathd” Act in Minnesota last week. Organizers and volunteers from the Houston County Relay for Life came to the get-together at Good Times on Wednesday. The occasion was marked with sandwiches, salad, and a birthday cake.
Rebecca Thoman, M.D., field government relations person for ACS, welcomed a group of about 20 people. “We’re celebrating this anniversary and the great effect it will have on reducing lung cancer in Minnesota. Thank you for being the backbone of the fight against cancer.”
Dr. Thoman predicted that next year’s legislative effort would focus on free colon cancer screening for low income and un-insured individuals. “Colon cancer is the second most common occurrence and it can be prevented. It will be our highest priority.” She also said there would be more advocacy activities at Relay for Life events in the future.
One of the Minnesota bill’s sponsors, state representative Ken Tschumper, also spoke. He said that predictions of business closings as a result of the smoking ban in bars and restaurants did not happen. He said that some businesses had a slight dip, but had recovered when families discovered they could take their children to smoke-free entertainment spots.
Tschumper also said that the bill’s passage was a result of strong grass roots activity. He cited the work of public health nursing and county boards that supported the ban.
Coordinating the event were Houston County Relay for Life co-chairs Glenda Miller and Jane Schiltz.
|
