Virginia prison facilities going tobacco-free

[underpants]

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch

Virginia's roughly 40 state prisons, correctional field units and work release centers aim to be smokeand tobacco-free by Feb. 1 for staff and inmates.

Inmates were notified in January by a memo from Gene M. Johnson, director of the Virginia Department of Corrections. "Even when change is for the better, it can be difficult, and I appreciate your cooperation," wrote Johnson, who made the decision.

"Eliminating tobacco products has many positive outcomes including improved personal health, longer and increased sanitation and safety in our facilities," he said.

"The top four causes of death are all linked to tobacco use: heart disease, cancer, emphysema and stroke. This decision should eventually save taxpayer dollars in regard to inmate medical costs," Traylor said.

Read more: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/PRIZ17_20090616-220408/274259/