Alaska Tobacco Control Alliance

The Smokefree Anchorage Coalition celebrated the 1st Anniversary of Anchorage smokefree workplace laws in 2008 with a media campaign promoting the positive outcomes of the ordinance. In the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska Family Services raised awareness of secondhand smoke hazards, youth tobacco use and resources to quit tobacco. A smokefree dining guide was produced to showcase smokefree Mat-Su eateries.

Medical center campuses are tobacco-free including:

• Providence Alaska Medical Center
• Alaska Regional Hospital
• Mat-Su Regional Medical Center
• Alaska Psychiatric Institute

The Tanana Chief's Conference raises public awareness about secondhand smoke throughout 42 villages.

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center campuses are tobacco-free.

The Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation tobacco prevention program has developed media featuring local individuals and youth sports teams to promote local cessation/ prevention efforts, Alaska's Tobacco Quitline services and a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Lake Peninsula School District's newsletter and intranet website share their program with 14 village schools, likeing modules of prevention curriculum to district-required teaching standards. Local wellness teams were developed at Nondalton and Chignik Lake school sites.

Bridges Community Resource Center engages children in all area schools through live presentations, events and media. Their comprehensive approach involves community leaders, healthcare providers and clean indoor air coalition members in prevention activities.

Chugachmiut successfully worked with the North Pacific Rim Housing Authority for adoption of their smokefree multi-unit housing policy which was the first in Alaska.

The Qutecak Native Tribe of Seward and the Tatitlek Native Tribe both adopted clean indoor air tribal policies for all tribal buildings.

Valdez Youth Awareness Coalition engaged youth advocates in the completion of a video project explaining the effects of secondhand smoke on nonsmokers.

Kodiak Area Native Association hospital and clinics went tobacco-free.

Maniilaq Assocation's tobacco education effort promotes the new Alaska State Activities Association's (ASAA) "no tobacco" policy for students.

Norton Sound Health Corporation is smokefree.

The Nome Community Center and Nome Tobacco Control Alliance used media and events, including the 100th anniversary running of the All Alaska Sweepstakes, to educate the community about the dangers of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

Nome Public Schools and Nome Community Center's collaborative "Rural Tobacco Prevention Natural Helpers" program led to the development of a school wellness committee, teachers trained in prevention curricula, and school policies assessed in preparation for a comprehensive school-based tobacco prevention program.

The Eastern Aleutian Tribes have a Tobacco-Free Campus Policy for all nine clinic campuses.

All city buildings in the City of King Cove are smokefree.

Unalaska youth created a World No Tobacco Day event - 1200 ribbons in a public display to represent the people who die each day due to tobacco use.

The Juneau Clean Air Coalition works with the city to successfully implement a strengthened smokefree workplace law and support Bartlett Regional Hospital's new smokefree campus policy.

Petersburg Indian Association worked toward a comprehensive tobacco prevention and control effort with expanded health service programs.

Juneau School District conducts high school tobacco cessation support groups and implemented the "Project Alert" prevention curriculum in the middle school.

Sitka School District's "KICK IT" program strengthened the district's tobacco-free policy to include all students, staff and visitors on campus, in vehicles and at school-sponsored events. A "Tobacco-Free Fun" class was established at the alternative school, linking students to local cessation services at SEARHC.

2011 is the 12 year anniversary of the Bethel clean indoor air policy.

Yukon-Koyukuk School District's "Partners for Safe Communities" in Allakaket and Nulatto, sites chosen for having the highest tobacco use in their district, hold weekly prevention activities.  Over hald the Allakaket student population, along with community volunteers, attended a tobacco-prevention lock-in.

Kashunamiut School District's "Positive Action" Project in Chevak implemented the "Life Skills Training" prevention curriculum in 2nd-12th grades and began a parenting module at Chevak Head Start to strengthen family involvement.

"Since going smokefree, we've seen an increase in business, especially with families who are happy to have a clean, safe place to visit together."

Jolene Gavatte, The Bakery Restaurant, Fairbanks

"Going smokefree has helped us gain business. We now get more families, visitors, and traveling sports teams. It also has created a better environment for our staff and patrons. We save money on ashtrays, matches and cleaning costs. Overall it has been extremely positive for the Food Factory."

Sheryl Brendel, Food Factory, Fairbanks

"Since going smokefree over nine years ago, the office has become a more pleasant place to work and we have witnessed an increase in productivity. Additionally, our customers have been very supportive and happy with the smokefree change."

Mike Combs, Combs Insurance Agency, Fairbanks

"Going smokefree has helped us gain business, customers consistently compliment us on it, and it creates a better environment for our staff and patrons. We save money on ashtrays, matches and cleaning costs. Overall, it has been extremely positive for us."

Alex Fox, Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, Sub Zero Bistro & Microlounge, Anchorage

"We went smokefree to benefit the families that come into the restaurant. Now business is better, our staff is happier and it’s so much cleaner - even the window washer commented on the difference!"

Eleanor King, King's Diner, Kodiak

"Going smokefree was just the right thing to do. Customers are extremely happy with the change."

Joel Chenet, Mill Bay Coffee, Kodiak

"We chose to gosmokefree for our employees and customers. Families appreciate the clean, safe environment, and overall it’s been great for our business."

Erica Huyck, La Fiesta Restaurant, Palmer

"We went smokefree for the health of our employees, and locals and visitors appreciate the clean environment."

Dmitry Tokarev, Nugget Diner, Sitka

"Going smokefree was one of the best things we ever did as a business. We broke the tradition of a smoke-filled bar for the health of our family, friends and neighbors."

Christy Tengs and Bob Fowler, Pioneer Bar, Haines