St. Charles County Department of Community
Health & The Environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2007

CONTACT:

Hollie Milam, Health Educator                                                                                                           636−949−7413
Cameron Satterfield, Public Information Officer                                                                               636−949−7408

Where There's Smoke...

Survey assesses community tobacco use and awareness

St. Charles County, MO - The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment is partnering with Missouri's Maternal Child Health Services to assess tobacco use and awareness in the community. An online survey, found at  www.scchealth.org, will help the department address tobacco use and develop targeted interventions that meet community needs. This survey will also help inform community groups regarding public opinion on smoke–free workplace protection.

"Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States," said Hollie Milam, health educator for St. Charles County and author of the survey. "In addition, tobacco use has been identified as a significant risk factor for pre–term delivery, low birth weight, and other pregnancy complications."

In 2002, Missouri ranked 8th in the nation for smoking during pregnancy, according to the state Department of Health and Senior Services. Studies show that infants exposed to secondhand smoke are two to three times more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.

The public is invited to participate in this important study by visiting www.scchealth.org and clicking on "Tobacco Use and Awareness Survey" near the top of the page.

For more information about the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment, call (636) 949-7400.

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