JEL Students at all area schools wrapped over 600 gift boxes that were included in holiday baskets for low income residents. (Pekin JEL pictured above.)

Each box contained a card like this one, and a chocolate coin.

395 Smokefree Home and Car Pledges Collected Since July 1, 2009

Congratulations to JEL students and coalition members who have collected signatures on 371 pledge forms since July at fairs and parent-teacher conferences. An additional 24 pledges have been received online. This surpasses our goal of 300 pledges for the year. One need not be a smoker to take the pledge. See www.chokesmokes.com.

We need your input!
Help us make a difference in the community by offering your advice and energy. Please attend the upcoming Tobacco-Free Coalition meeting in your county:

Sigourney: Tuesday, February 9, Noon, Keokuk County Extension office, 102 E Washington St.

Fairfield: Thursday, February 11, Jefferson County Public Health office, 200 E Briggs Ave.  

Iowa Smokefree Air Act Has Positive Health Effect
A recent University of Iowa study that analyzed hospitalizations across Iowa indicates the 2008 Iowa Smokefree Air Act has already reduced the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease for thousands of Iowans. See www.chokesmokes.com for details.