Health District to present Extra Mile Award to Reno Aces

May 26, 2022

Reno/Sparks, Nev. May 26, 2022 – The Washoe County Health District is recognizing the Reno Aces with an Extra Mile Award (EMA) at today’s District Board of Health meeting, May 26, 2022, for its efforts to enhance the ballpark experience at Greater Nevada Field by going smoke- and vape-free.

The Extra Mile Award honors businesses that have gone above and beyond the requirements of the Nevada Clean Air Act. This season, the Reno Aces adopted a smoke-free and vape-free policy inside Greater Nevada Field, prioritizing the health of their fans, employees and players.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to secondhand smoke from burning tobacco products causes disease and premature death among nonsmokers.

“I’m happy to celebrate the EMA awardees each year because it shows the support in our community for healthy, smoke-free environments,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure, which can be harmful in many ways including increasing the risk of heart diseases, cancer, and other chronic diseases.”

Smoke-free environments are in demand now more than ever, especially as awareness of respiratory health has increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many local businesses, it makes sense to be smoke-free to better meet the needs of their customers and the community-at-large.

The Washoe County Health District considers the negative effects of tobacco use and exposure to be a priority health issue for our community and works with local businesses, housing professionals, and community partners to take steps to reduce tobacco use and exposure in our community.  More information about smoke-free efforts in Washoe County can be found at www.gethealthywashoe.com.

The last EMA was given to the Gold N’ Silver Inn and Restaurant in Reno for going smoke-free.

The District Board of Health meeting is Thursday, May 26, at 1 p.m., and will take place in the Commission Chambers at the County Complex located at 1001 E. 9th Street, Building A. For virtual options, see the agenda for the Thursday meeting here.

About the Reno Aces
Since 2009, the Reno Aces, Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been a fixture in the Northern Nevada community providing family-friendly entertainment and Minor League Baseball in downtown Reno at Greater Nevada Field.  Over the past 14 years, over 4.5 million fans have passed through the turnstiles, and the Aces have contributed to thousands of different non-profit charities throughout the region.  For more information about the team or tickets for the entire 2022 season, visit RenoAces.com or Text TIXX to 21003.

About the Washoe County Health District
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The district consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services, and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.