Proclaims the first week in November as Krewe de Quit Week in an effort to promote smoking cessation in Louisiana
Impact
By declaring a specific week for Krewe de Quit, the resolution seeks to galvanize both public and private efforts to reduce smoking rates in Louisiana. It highlights existing resources, such as the Smoking Cessation Trust, which offers free services to assist individuals in their quitting journey. The HR182 resolution not only aims to lower the smoking prevalence but also strives to enhance public health by promoting wellness within the community, thus aiming for a targeted reduction in smoking rates by 2017.
Summary
House Resolution 182 (HR182) aims to promote awareness and efforts for smoking cessation in Louisiana by proclaiming the first week of November as Krewe de Quit Week. This initiative recognizes the significant health risks associated with tobacco use, noting that a substantial number of Louisiana adults smoke and that thousands die annually from smoking-related diseases. The resolution emphasizes the importance of providing accessible cessation resources and support to smokers in the state, encouraging community engagement in the fight against tobacco addiction.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding HR182 is positive, with strong support from health advocates and community leaders who see this initiative as a proactive step towards improving public health in Louisiana. Many stakeholders applaud the effort to raise awareness of smoking cessation resources available to residents and to foster an environment conducive to quitting smoking. However, some expressed concerns about the challenges of fully reaching and effectively assisting all smokers in need of support.
Contention
While the resolution itself does not present significant contention, it reflects the ongoing public health debate regarding smoking in Louisiana. There may be differing opinions about the effectiveness of such initiatives and the ability of support systems to meet the needs of smokers. Nonetheless, the proclamation reinforces the commitment of the state legislature to tackle smoking-related issues through public awareness and community mobilization.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.