Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities (ITFC)

The ITFC Program Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities (ITFC) is an Illinois Department of Public Health grant-funded initiative to establish tobacco prevention and control programs to prevent tobacco use among youth, eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke, and eliminate tobacco-related health disparities. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no safe level of second-hand smoke exposure, including multi-unit housing where secondhand smoke can be a major concern for residents in neighboring apartments, outdoor public space, school campus property, indoor public places, and places of employment. Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities brochure (PDF) Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities rack card (PDF) ITFC article Community Word magazine. This program is funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The Regional Approach Peoria City/County Health Department works in a regional collaboration with Tazewell County Health Department, Woodford County Health Department, Hult Center for Healthy Living, Peoria Park District, and other partnering agencies to implement tobacco-free policy initiatives and activities in the following areas: Increase the number of tobacco-free multi-unit housing polices, like apartment buildings and public housing. Increase the number of tobacco-free outdoor spaces like parks, outdoor events, and farmer’s markets, as well as campus policies for businesses. Promote tobacco-free indoor/outdoor space to include restrictions on use of e-cigarettes/vaping devices at public places or places of employment where smoking combustible tobacco products is prohibited.   Conduct specified enforcement activities for compliance of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act on behalf of the Illinois Department of Public Health. This  GIS map is a graphic view of the tobacco-free policy changes promoted by ITFC at locations in the Tri-county area.  Give us a call: Find our how your outdoor space, event, apartment building, or indoor workplace can go totally tobacco-free, including no e-cigarettes and no vaping. Hult Center for Healthy Living 309-692-6650 Tazewell County Health Department 309-929-0304 Woodford County Health Department 309-467-3064 Email our group at TobaccoFree@tchd.net.

Lung Cancer and Tobacco - Identified Community Health Priority 

The Partnership for a Healthy Community, www.HealthyHOI.org, a community-driven partnership in the tri-county area to improve health and wellness, identified Lung Cancer as a priority health issue in the regional Community Health Improvement Plan. The Partnership reviewed data and noted the following:

• Smoking tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer
• Tobacco is the single most important preventable cause of illness and death in the United States. 
• More than 20,000 people in Illinois die each year as a result of cigarette smoking.
• Nationally, smoking is responsible for one of every five deaths.
• Cigarette smoking kills more Americans than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, murders, suicides, drugs, and fires combined.

The Partnership’s Lung Cancer Action Team develops strategies and works collaboratively across the tri-county area to initiate and support programs and activities to decrease lung cancer and tobacco-related health issues and disparities. The Lung Cancer Action Team serves as coalition support to the regional Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities program.  

Illinois Tobacco Quitline The Illinois Tobacco Quitline is a free resource for tobacco users who want to quit for good. As an evidence-based program, certified counselors and staff at the Illinois Tobacco Quitline provide the support needed to break the habit. Qualified individuals have access to nicotine replacement products through the mail. Visit Illinois Tobacco Quitline or call toll-free 866-784-8937 for assistance and qualifications.

Smoke-Free Illinois Act Information

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act, effective January 1, 2008, protects the public in Illinois from the harmful effects of exposure to tobacco and second-hand smoke by prohibiting smoking in indoor public places and places of employment, including offices, theaters, museums, libraries, schools, commercial establishments, enclosed shopping centers and retail stores, restaurants, bars, private clubs and gaming facilities. Smoking is also prohibited in public conveyances like taxis and buses. Other Smoke-Free Illinois Act guidelines include:

• Business owners shall not permit smoking within 15 feet of any entrance, exit, windows that open and ventilation intakes.
• "No smoking" signs are required to be posted at every entrance to a public place or place of employment. These signs are available to download on the Illinois Department of Public Health Website.
• Individuals can file a complaint at the Illinois Department of Public Health’s toll-free complaint line at 866-973-4646 or online.
• Link here.to the full text of Smoke-Free Illinois, Public Act 095-0017.