If Herald readers have not read the June 30, 2015 New York Times story titled, "U.S. Chamber of Commerce works globally to fight antismoking measures," they should do so. While we acknowledge there is, at times, a disconnect between national, state and local organizations such as the Chambers of Commerce organizations, I couldn't help but recognize some similarities between the Chamber's international efforts as detailed in the article referenced above and the actions of the Greater North Dakota Chamber here in our state.
Even as an active member of the Healthy North Dakota Summit, a public health initiative established by then-Gov. John Hoeven and whose statewide plan identifies strategies to "support North Dakotans who make healthy choices-in schools, workplaces, senior centers, homes and anywhere people live, learn, work and play," the Greater North Dakota Chamber has not only been absent in supporting tobacco prevention efforts in our state, it has actively opposed them.
With the goal to "reduce tobacco use in North Dakota" on paper in their statewide plan and in mind, we are troubled to see efforts of the Chambers of Commerce-whether internationally or here at the state level-combat proven prevention strategies that save both lives and money.
We call on North Dakotans to demand better and challenge the GNDC to accept what the numbers have long confirmed-that comprehensive tobacco prevention practices are fiscally responsible to taxpayers, health care systems and ultimately, our workforce and employers in the business community.
Eric Johnson
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Grand Forks
