Designated tobacco areas to be reduced April 1

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The number of designated tobacco areas on Ellsworth will be reduced from 58 to 34, beginning April 1, in keeping with guidelines outlined in Air Force Instruction 40-102, "Tobacco Use in the Air Force."

The instruction, originally released in March 2012, expands tobacco-free environments, clarifies tobacco use restrictions in training environments and prohibits tobacco sales in Air Force services establishments.

"The goal is to prevent people from being exposed to secondhand smoke," explained Lt. Col. Patrick Castle, 28th Medical Support Squadron commander. "The 28th Civil Engineer Squadron worked with commanders and facility managers to ensure DTAs are at least 50 feet from building entrances, pedestrian walkways and parking lots."

Tobacco use includes cigars, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, stem pipes, water pipes, hookahs and smokeless products that are chewed, dipped or sniffed.

The 28th Medical Group was designated a tobacco-free campus Nov. 9, 2012, to comply with AFI 40-102. According to the instruction, the medical treatment campus encompasses the facility as well as its parking lots, lawns and other outdoor areas contiguous with the medical treatment facility, as well as the Health and Wellness Center near the Bellamy Fitness Center.

"The Air Force is focused on preventive health to save precious lives," Castle said. "The AF surgeon general previously stated that more than 30,000 Airmen will ultimately die of tobacco-related medical complications according to current tobacco rates."

Castle added that in addition to saving lives, limiting DTAs will help the Air Force save money on tobacco-related disease treatment, especially during the current tight budget environment.

"This is an issue that truly hits home for many Airmen, including myself," Castle emphasized. "My dad, a prior Air Force mechanic, died of tobacco-related throat cancer on March 26, 2012. "I encourage people who want to quit to utilize the many resources available on base."

For more information about tobacco use on Ellsworth, call MSgt. Tonya Joyce, 28th Medical Operations Squadron performance flight chief, at (605) 385-1337. For more information on quitting smoking, or to sign up for the next smoking cessation class, call the Health and Wellness Center at (605) 385-2349.