Tobacco Documents Online

COUNTY OF BERGEN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES 327 Ridgewood Ave. • Paramus. N.R 0Z652-4895 (201) 599-6100 William D. McDoweil Cowuy Ezucutive June 15, 1990 Mrs. Janice Marshall, M.S.N., Coordinator New Jersey Department of Health Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control Smoking Control Program, CN 369 Trenton, New-Jersey 06825-0369 Dear Mrs. Marshall: Michaei A. Guarino, `vI.P.H. Dirccro. The Bergen County Department of Health Services is pleased to endorse the participation.of the New Jersey Department of Health and New Jersey Division of the American Cancer Society in partnership for the National Cancer Institute's project called ASSIST for Cancer Protection. For those of us in public health, tobacco related:, problems due to smoking still remain a high priority. It is one of the most difficult health problems facing us today. Our organization recognizes the need for the ASSIST project and sup- ports the contract, as we know the New Jersey Department of Health, the new Jersey Division of the American Cancer Society and the state and local coalitions will carry out the terms of the contract. This Department has long been a successful forerunner in early detection and health education regarding smoking prevention and cessation. We presently provide: • Low cost smoking cessation programs for county residents based; on behavior modification techniques and utilizing materials provided by the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association; • Lunch time "quit smoking" programs for county employees. • Teen smoking prevention cessation activities funded by a grant from-the State Health Department and targeted to students and teachers within local school districts. We would like to provide: • Continuation-of the employee smoking cessation program and,expansion,of the program into local industry. • An education and support program for pregnant women and their significant others geared to cessation of smoking and other behaviors harmful to their babies. N ~ N W i?? ~ ~ ~ N

Mrs. Janice Marshall, M.S.N., Coordinator Page 2 June 15, 1990 • Weight control activities specific to those who are attempting to quit smoking. In addition, our Cancer Detection Program for Women and our Health Consultation, Prograuns, a1l staffed by public health nurses,, assess and educate Bergen County residents regarding the danger and consequences of smoking. We can assist with this project by sharing our program goals, procedures and;curricultun. A long-term desired goal for the State of New Jerseywould;be to offer a toll- free Hotline for smokers to call when they need support. At the present time, there are Hotlines for almost all addictions, and yet, there is nothing for the smoker. Another suggestion would entail working with,New Jersey legislators to enforce the "no smoking" laws and to ban the use of vending machines. This department supports the State Health Department's participation in project ASSIST for Cancer Protection, and will cooperate with the program's goals in every way possible. Sincerely yours, Michael A. Guarino Director MAG:ag