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HPA highlights the significant public health benefits of a smokefree Northern Ireland
At the launch of its Annual Report today the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) highlighted the significant contribution which next year’s introduction of smokefree legislation will have for public health in Northern Ireland.
The report outlines the organisation’s broad range of work throughout the year and how it contributed to meeting a number of major public health challenges, including the issue of tobacco control.
During the launch Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “The HPA is looking forward to working to ensure the successful implementation of the new smokefree legislation, which will come into effect here in April 2007. When the announcement was made last year that Northern Ireland would be going smokefree it was without doubt the single most significant contribution to public health in years.
“The change in legislation will do much to protect people here from the dangers of passive smoking. The damage that can be done by second-hand smoke has been well documented and it is estimated that each year nearly 600 lung cancer deaths and up to 12,000 cases of heart disease in non-smokers can be attributed to passive smoking¹.
“It will also be good news for smokers who have been trying to quit. We know the great majority of smokers really do want to stop smoking but continue to put it off because they know it will be very difficult. Having smokefree work places and enclosed public places will make it easier for those who are trying to quit.
“In view of the forthcoming legislation the HPA has been highlighting the range of help and support available for smokers who are trying to stop in its latest campaign ‘Giving up’.”
During the year the HPA facilitated and chaired the Smokefree coalition, which now includes over 50 organisations from the voluntary, community and private sectors. The aim of the coalition was to provide a coordinated response to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s consultation on smokefree legislation.
This is the HPA’s fifteenth Annual Report and marks the completion of another demanding year for the organisation and highlights some of the work undertaken during 2005 – 2006. This includes work in the areas of breastfeeding, alcohol, drugs, maternal and child health, mental health, physical activity, research and evaluation, sexual health and health protection. It also highlights the HPA’s involvement with other organisations locally, nationally and internationally.
END
Notes
to editors:
Dr Brian Gaffney will be available for interview on Wednesday 27 September. Please contact the Press Office to arrange an interview.
¹ ASH factsheet: Action on Smoking and Health www.ash.org.uk
The Smokers’ Helpline, 0800 85 85 85, can be contacted by anyone who is serious about stopping smoking.
The full report can be viewed from 11:00am on Wednesday 27 September by visiting:
http://www.healthpromotionagency.org.uk/Resources/corporate/annualreport/annualreport06.htm
The report is available in alternative formats by contacting Tony Sheridan Tel: 9031 1611 or email [email protected]
For
further information:
Contact Jenny Dougan or Rosie McGaughey on 028 9031 1611 / 9031 1514.
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