Allina's 2007 Legislator of the Year honors Freedom to Breathe Act co-authors
MINNEAPOLIS 06/15/2007--Allina Hospitals & Clinics' annual Legislator of the Year award has been presented to Senator Steve Dille (R-Dassel), Representative Tom Huntley (DFL-Duluth), Representative Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids) and Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato). The four Minnesota legislators were the Senate and House co-authors of the Freedom to Breathe Act to protect workers from secondhand smoke.
"Thanks to their leadership, Minnesota will be a healthier state," said Dick Pettingill, Allina president and chief executive officer (CEO).
Signed into law last month, the Freedom to Breathe Act made Minnesota the 20th state to prohibit smoking in all bars and restaurants. The statewide smoking ban goes into effect on Oct. 1.
Allina's Legislator of the Year award is given annually to public officials who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in health policy. The 2007 award was presented at Allina's annual meeting of its board of directors, held June 13 in Minneapolis.
"This award is a real honor. Allina Hospitals & Clinics and their innovative approach to health care are a big part of why Minnesota is a leader in health care," said Rep. Huntley. "Minnesota broke ground nationally in 1975 with the Clean Indoor Air Act, which limited smoking to designated areas in public places and at public meetings. Under the Freedom to Breathe Act of 2007, we finally took back that leadership position and Minnesotans will be healthier for it."
"This was an important step to help prevent Minnesotans from starting smoking in the first place and to help encourage those who are smoking to quit," added Sen. Dille. "It also protects people from the adverse affects of second-hand smoke."
It is estimated that nearly 600 Minnesotans die each year from illness and disease caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.
"The Freedom to Breathe Act is about making Minnesota a healthier place for us and our children," said Rep. Severson. "The passage of this law gives all citizens the right to breathe cleaner air and hopefully live longer, healthier lives."
Sen. Sheran added, "This law will do much to help the Minnesota workers who are most exposed and least protected from the dangerous health effects of secondhand smoke."
About Allina Hospitals & Clinics
Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a not-for-profit system of hospitals, clinics and other health care services, providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina owns and operates 11 hospitals, 65 clinics and health care services, including home care, hospice and palliative care, oxygen and medical equipment, pharmacies and emergency medical transportation. More about Allina and the latest health information can be found online at www.allina.com.
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