April 23, 2025. Reno, Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is recognizing Northern Nevada Pride with an Extra Mile Award (EMA) at the upcoming District Board of Health meeting for protecting the community from secondhand smoke exposure through a voluntary smoke-free policy at their annual festival and community parade.
The EMA honors businesses and organizations in Washoe County that have gone above and beyond the requirements of the Nevada Clean Air Act.
Northern Nevada Pride is dedicated to uniting individuals in the spirit of PRIDE, embracing diversity, celebrating our unique identities, honoring our rich history, and advocating for a brighter future. This organization ensures a welcoming and safe space for all, where people can have fun, forge meaningful connections, offer mutual support, and proudly express who they are. The event is hosted by, and benefits, Our Center, a local non-profit organization that plays a vital role in the community.
In a continued effort to prioritize the health and well-being of all attendees, organizers of this year’s Pride event implemented a smoke-free and vape-free policy. This initiative protected participants from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure, while also reducing litter from cigarette butts and vape devices across event grounds.
By fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more inclusive environment, the policy also supported those who are trying to quit tobacco and sends a powerful message to youth about the importance of healthy choices. The smoke-free and vape-free policy reflects the Pride community’s ongoing commitment to equity, safety, and celebration for all.
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. Further, 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.
“It is my pleasure to celebrate the EMA awardees as it highlights the support in our community for healthy, smoke-free environments,” said Chad Kingsley, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “Secondhand smoke exposure can be harmful in many ways such as increasing the risk of heart diseases, cancer, and other chronic diseases. There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure.”
The NNPH considers the negative effects of tobacco use and exposure to be a priority health issue for our community and works with these 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 NNPH is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The NNPH prioritizes community wellness, from the environment and air quality to epidemiology and clinical services, providing resources that support public health matters. For more information, visit: nnph.org
The District Board of Health meeting will be held April 24th, starting at 1:00 PM in the Commission Chambers at the County Complex located at 1001 E. 9th Street, Building A. To attend virtually, please use the link below: https://washoecounty-gov.zoom.us/j/98998549419
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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) 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 District Board of Health. NNPH 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.