The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) is pleased to announce that the Town of Gibsland has officially become the 38th municipality in Louisiana to adopt a comprehensive indoor smoke-free ordinance. This health-forward decision marks a significant achievement not only for TFL’s mission to foster healthier communities but also for the residents and visitors of Gibsland, that can now enjoy their town free from the dangers of secondhand smoke and move forward to freeing its communities from the harmful affects of all forms of tobacco use.

On Monday, June 9, the Town of Gibsland’s Council unanimously voted to implement this smoke-free ordinance, signaling a strong commitment to prioritizing the health of the community. Feamula Bradley, TFL Regional Manager for Northwest Louisiana, provided invaluable tobacco-use and vaping resources to the Mayor and Council, highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco-use health issues. These insights empowered the governing body to make an informed choice that benefits all. With this new ordinance, Gibsland joins the Louisiana municipalities who have embraced a smoke-free lifestyle, reinforcing their dedication to safeguarding public health and moving the economic growth of the community forward.

“The Town of Gibsland is elated to join in the fight for Healthier Air For All,” says Jeannie Richardson, Mayor, Town of Gibsland. “We will be including cessation awareness in the school and community. Special thank you to the Regional Manager, Ms. Feamula R. Bradley for contacting us and allowing us this opportunity to improve our community.”

Research shows that nearly 70% of people who smoke want to quit. Additionally, communities that adopt smoke-free policies experience significant health benefits, including reductions in emergency room visits due to heart attacks, youth asthma and other tobacco-related health issues. By passing an indoor smoke-free policy the Town of Gibsland has taken an important step to improving public health. This policy supports people in their quit attempts and their overall health and wellness. The ordinance is just the beginning, TFL is committed to supporting the Town of Gibsland by supplying citizens with tobacco cessation and vaping education and materials.

“The dangers of secondhand smoke are profound, and we must prioritize the health of our communities,” emphasized Dr. Earl Benjamin-Robinson, Senior Director of Tobacco Control & Prevention for TFL. “We celebrate communities like Gibsland that are committed to eliminating the threats posed by tobacco, not just secondhand smoke exposure but also the harmful effects of tobacco-use. Our TFL Regional Managers are dedicated to fostering relationships with local leaders and educating communities about the risks of tobacco and vaping products, helping to drive meaningful change.”

Located in Bienville Parish in Northern Louisiana, Gibsland is a town rich in history. Known for its intersecting railroads and as the birthplace of the now-closed historically Black Coleman College, it also holds a unique place in American folklore as the site where notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed and killed in 1934. The town celebrates its culture and history with annual events like the Jonquil Jubilee and Historic Garden Tourand the popular Bonnie and Clyde Festival.

The smoke-free measure protects residents and visitors from the serious health risks of secondhand smoke and encourages citizens to adopt a tobacco-free lifestyle. Here are some key facts:

• Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and about 70 are known to cause cancer.
• Just 20 minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke indoors can significantly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Currently, only 30% of Louisiana residents are protected from secondhand smoke.
• Approximately 27% of Louisiana adults use tobacco products.

“This is a remarkably great victory for the Town of Gibsland, becoming the 38th municipality to pass a comprehensive indoor smoke-free ordinance,” stated Feamula Bradley, TFL Regional Manager for Northwest Louisiana. “I am thrilled that our communities recognize that healthier environments lead to longer, more prosperous lives, and we are eager to work with the leadership of Gibsland to educate all of its community members to embrace a tobacco-free lifestyle.”

Creating smoke-free indoor environments and eliminating tobacco-use in all its forms across Louisiana is a crucial step toward healthier living and economic growth. The Town of Gibsland has chosen a path that prioritizes smoke-free spaces, contributing to the ongoing efforts to protect everyone from the silent threat of secondhand smoke.

For more information on the movement to protect all Louisiana employees from secondhand smoke, visit www.HealthierAirForAll.org. Individuals interested in quitting tobacco products can visit www.QuitWithUsLa.org or call 1-800-Quit-Now.