Tobacco Reduction Coalition to have meeting Wednesday

Rich Weiler, manager of Respiratory Care at MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland, will speak on “New Accreditation Standards for Helping Patients Receive Nicotine Dependence Treatment” at the mid-year meeting of the Midland County Tobacco Reduction Coalition at noon Wednesday.
The Coalition was formed in 1993 with three goals: to save lives by helping tobacco users quit, to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and to keep young people from starting to smoke.
While significant strides have been made to achieve the Coalition’s goals such as passage of the Smoke Free Air Law, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disability in the community and nation.
Teen advocates also play an important role in Coalition activities. Tobacco-free playgrounds and beaches are the current focus.

The group meets every other month on the 4th Wednesday at noon to share ideas and plan strategies.