Mark A. McDonnell, RS, MS, Health Commissioner

Robert P. Dillaplain, MD, Medical Director

News Release

For Immediate Release Contact: Sara T. Pappa, Public Information Officer

November 19, 2008 937-374-5662/866-858-3588

GREENE COUNTY COMBINED HEALTH DISTRICT
AWARDED FUNDING OF $165,466 FOR THE
TOBACCO-FREE HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

(Xenia, OH) The Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) has been awarded tobacco use prevention funding for a sixth consecutive year. GCCHD has received a grant of $165,466 from the Ohio Department of Health, Office of Healthy Ohio to implement the Tobacco-Free Healthy Communities Program in Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Highland, Madison and Warren counties. The grant period is Nov. 3, 2008 – June 30. 2009.

The grant award will be used for continued cessation programs focusing on adult tobacco users. The program also includes youth prevention programming, a youth-based media campaign, technical assistance for 100% tobacco-free schools and coalition expansion. GCCHD is the only organization funded in Southwest Ohio.

The Tobacco-Free Healthy Communities Coalition meets quarterly to discuss current projects and future tobacco use prevention programming. The next meeting will be held on January 26, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon (location TBA). All are welcome.

For additional information regarding the Tobacco Free Healthy Communities Program, contact Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialist Bruce Barcelo at (937) 374-5656 or bbarcelo@gcchd.org.

Greene County Combined Health District

Your center for public health services and information for over 80 years.

360 Wilson Drive

Xenia, OH 45385

937-374-5600 * 866-858-3588 * Fax 937-374-5675

Healthy People…Healthy Communities