Inova Health System Physicians Join U.S. Rep Connolly, Public Health Groups to Protect Kids from Tobacco

***MEDIA ALERT***

Inova to Broadcast News Conference Via the Web
(March 17, 2009) 

WHAT:
News Conference Calling for Congressional Action to Protect Children from Tobacco Products
Inova Health System is partnering with Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and public health groups to request passage of federal legislation allowing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products.

WHEN:
Thursday, March 19
10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Inova Fairfax Hospital
Claude Moore Health Education and Research Center
3300 Gallows Road
Falls Church, VA 22042

WHO:
Keenan Caldwell, Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society-Virginia
U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA-10)
David Ascher, MD, Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children
Kirsten Edmiston, MD, Medical Director, Cancer Services, Inova Health System
Cathleen Grzesiek, Senior Director, Government Relations, American Heart Association
David DeBiasi, Director of Advocacy & Public Education, American Lung Association of Virginia

Rep. Connolly is the original co-sponsor of the bill, which the U.S. House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce Committee passed earlier this month. A House vote is expected within coming weeks.

This legislation would:

• Restrict tobacco marketing that caters to children
• Ban health claims of being “light” or “low-tar”
• Require larger health warnings on tobacco packages and advertising
• Require that tobacco companies disclose the contents of their products
• Give FDA authority to require changes in new and existing tobacco products

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit health care system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.