Title
Proclamation thanking the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) for protecting the public's health by instituting a campus-wide clean air and smoke-free policy.
Body
WHEREAS, on January 2, 2007, Allegheny County Council adopted an ordinance to prohibit smoking in certain public places and workplaces, and providing for penalties for violations; and
WHEREAS, on May 22, 2007, Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court declared that Allegheny County's ban on smoking in public places is preempted by Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act and is therefore, null and void; and
WHEREAS, effective July 1, 2007, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) will voluntarily institute a campus-wide clean air and smoke-free policy to protect, patients, visitors and staff from the harmful health effects of secondhand smoke; and
WHEREAS, the new clean air and smoke-free policy pertains to all of UPMC's hospitals, offices and other facilities - covering more than 80 sites; and
WHEREAS, we commend UPMC for implementing a policy that will prohibit smoking on any UPMC-owned or leased property, including its grounds, garages and parking lots;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize and thank the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for protecting the public's health with instituting a smoke-free policy.