Louisiana Teens Rally at Capitol for Health for All

A group of concerned youth have come together, with support from Healthier Air For All and Louisiana School-Based Health Alliance, to let their legislators know now is the time for change.

The youth will rally outside the Capitol Welcome Center at noon on March 21 and display banners signed by local communities demonstrating support for protecting all citizens from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The rally is taking place in honor of Kick Butts Day, a national day of youth activism sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

The students are part of Next Era, a statewide youth movement promoting healthy, tobacco-free lifestyles. 

There will also be youth in attendance from several schools across the state to speak to the benefits of having on-site health clinics, along with representatives from the Louisiana School-Based Health Alliance. 

Though 78% of the people in Louisiana don’t smoke, there is no comprehensive, statewide policy against smoking in public spaces. The 2006 Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act eliminated smoking in public places—this includes restaurants, but exempts bars and gaming facilities. 

03/20/2018