Director's Message

June 22, 2007

To: All DHS employees

From: Bruce Goldberg, M.D., Director

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
~James Baldwin

Improving the health of all Oregonians is central to our agency's mission and goals. And, as I've noted in previous messages, I believe that as a public agency that promotes healthy behaviors among our customers and clients, it is important to model the behaviors we encourage in others.

Reducing exposure to tobacco and secondhand smoke are two of the most important steps we can take to protect our health. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 known toxins, of which more than 50 are known to cause cancer. More than 800 non-smoking Oregonians die every year from the effects of secondhand smoke.

As people have learned more about the health impacts of secondhand smoke during the past decades, society has responded by establishing more smoke-free environments. The recent passage of Senate Bill 571 by the Oregon Legislature, which ends smoking in all of Oregon's bars, taverns, bingo halls and bowling alleys beginning January 2009, is part of this trend.

Following close on the heels of establishing more smoke-free environments is a growing public awareness of the harm that tobacco use in any form causes. Not only are smokers and those around them at risk, but so are users of chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products. Tobacco use, including secondhand smoke exposure, costs Oregon more than $1 billion every year in related medical expenditures.

Here at DHS I believe it is important to help lead this commitment to healthy behavior by reducing our own exposure to tobacco and secondhand smoke. As such, the DHS Cabinet and I are committed to providing all of our employees with tobacco-free DHS facilities and campuses.

This transition will be a gradual process designed to incorporate employees' concerns and offer those of you who do smoke plenty of time and the assistance you need to quit, should you so desire. I am excited to think about the positive health benefits this change will have for all of us at DHS.

If you currently smoke or use tobacco and are ready to quit, you can find help at the PEBB Tobacco Cessation Web site.  You also can call the Oregon Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit the Oregon Quit Line Web site for more information on how to quit smoking or using tobacco.

Quitting tobacco may not be easy, but as a physician I can guarantee you it is well worth the effort. You will improve not only your health, but that of your family members, friends and co-workers. And you won't be alone. DHS will be here to help.

To provide feedback email: DHS.Directorsoffice@state.or.us

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.