Tobacco Reduction of Amador County is offering a chance to help smokers fulfill a New Years Resolution. Tobacco Reduction and the American Lung Association are giving an 8-session “Freedom from Smoking” course beginning January 29th. This free program is one of many steps the organization is taking to reduce tobacco use in AmadorCounty. Other objectives include reducing access to tobacco products for minors, countering pro-tobacco influences and reducing exposure to second-hand smoke. In order to achieve these goals, the organization will be educating tobacco retailers and collaborating with Amador County schools, among other activities. One of the programs notable accomplishments is the adoption of an ordinance prohibiting smoking near the doors and ventilation systems of county buildings.

According to a study specific to Amador County, there were 68 smoking-related deaths and 74 potential years of life lost in 1999 alone. The County’s direct smoking costs that year was over 13 million, and the resulting loss of productivity cost the county an additional 8 million plus. Since this study, the local population has grown rapidly and there are still a significant number of smokers. For more information on the stop-smoking program, call 223-6638, or visit Tobacco Reduction of Amador County’s webpage at www.co.amador.ca.us.