REST HOME RESIDENT SUPPORTS ANTI-SMOKING INITIATIVE

To The Editor:

This letter is written in support of a bill, S4496/A5061, the bill, which is introduced by New York state Senator David Carlucci and New York state Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, will mandate that all adult proprietary homes in New York state be non-smoking facilities. Most of the residents of adult homes are vulnerable people who are living with disabilities.

New York state has led the way in protecting non-smokers from second hand smoke. However, many non-smokers who reside in adult homes remain unprotected from the hazards of second hand smoke. Most adult homes have what are called “smoking rooms.” Fumes from the smoking rooms escape into non-smoking common areas of adult homes leaving non-smokers unprotected from second hand smoke.

Not only are residents exposed to second hand smoke, but employees of adult homes are required to clean the smoking rooms, thus exposing the employees to the second hand smoke. It is extremely unfair that non-smoking residents and employees of adult homes must be exposed to second hand smoke. Also, prohibiting smoking in adult homes will provide an incentive for smokers to cease smoking.

I am proud to say that Spring Valley Rest Home, which is the the adult home that I reside at has been non-smoking for almost a whole year. The Rockland County Health Department closed the home’s smoking room on December 19, 2016, almost a whole year ago.

Sincerely,
Edward Branca
Spring Valley Rest Home
Nanuet