Dear Editor,

August 8, 2018 will mark 10 years since the city of Danville has been smoke-free in all enclosed spaces including workplaces, thanks to the passing of City Ordinance #1733 by members of the Danville City Commission. This health ordinance was published on May 8, 2008 and became effective 90 days thereafter.

Three members of the then City Commission deserve a great deal of credit for having the courage to pass this ordinance and they are Terry Crowley, Janet Hamner and Gail Lewis.  Without their support and understanding of the importance of this ordinance, this effort to improve the health of this community would not have happened.

As the then Chairperson of the Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP), I along with a large group of local concerned citizens and staff from UK College of Nursing was able to provide information to the commission to encourage them to pass this much needed change in local behavior. Today, I’m glad to report, most people appreciate the clean air in enclosed spaces they frequent.

Roger D. Trent

Retired Public Health Director Boyle County Health Department