Michael Houge, Grand Forks, letter: Thanks for making GF workplaces smoke-free

GRAND FORKS — In honor of the one-year anniversary of a Smoke Free Grand Forks, I’d like to write this letter of appreciation.

I’d like to thank all who were involved in making the city of Grand Forks a healthier and cleaner city to live in. I have been able to enjoy the local restaurants and bars without bringing home the smell of tobacco on my clothing. This is much appreciated, especially during the winter months when I would be forced to either leave my jacket in the car or bring it into one of the establishments only to have that smoky odor remain.

So, the change has helped smokers who want to quit while it deters nonsmokers and helps them avoid picking up the unhealthy habit.

As a nurse, I care for patients daily who have developed health problems or complications from smoking. It is heartbreaking to see people suffer when their problems could have been prevented in the first place.

If this law prevents even one person from smoking, it will have been worth it.

I am confident my words of gratitude represent the thoughts of many nonsmokers and former smokers of Grand Forks. Again, thank you for making Grand Forks a healthier, happier city.

Michael Houge

Tags: in the mail, smoke free workplaces, gf and egf, opinion, smoking, health, updates