What is the Rural Three for Tobacco Free Communities Coalition?

Rural Three for Tobacco Free Communities is funded by a grant from The New York State Department of Health Tobacco Control Program and is apart of the Bassett Healthcare Network located at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. 

Rural Three for Tobacco Free Communities is a community partnership representing Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties, dedicated to educating community leaders and the public about the dangers and social cost of tobacco through engaging local businesses and organizations to adopt policies and resolutions that restricts the tobacco industry presence through, de-normalizes tobacco use, and eliminates secondhand smoke.

Our members are:

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County
• American Cancer Society
• Bassett Healthcare Network
• LEAF, Inc
• Delaware County Public Health and Nursing Services
• Otsego County Public Health Department
• Tri-Town Regional Hospital
• Schoharie County Public Health Department
• Reality Check
• School Tobacco Policy Partner
• Seton Health Cessation Center

Tobacco use is a public health problem that effects everyone in our community, not only smokers. The key to reducing tobacco use is the active involvement of a broad range of organizations; agencies and individuals dedicated to creating healthy, tobacco-free environments.

The Rural Three will engage in a variety of activities aimed at changing community attitudes and policies with regard to tobacco use and the social acceptability of tobacco use. Target areas include:

• Eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke
• Decreasing the social acceptability of tobacco use
• Promoting the New York State Smokers\' Quitline
• Preventing the initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults.

How Can You Help...

• Encourage your school, health care facility or place of business to have a tobacco free campus.
• Ask tobacco retailers to cover up or remove their tobacco displays.
• Encourage your local parks and recreation areas to become tobacco-free.
• Request that your landlord make your building smoke free.
• E-mail or write to legislators asking for more tobacco free environments.
• Join the Rural Three For Tobacco Free Communities by calling 1-866-3RURAL3 or 1-866-378-7253 or check our calendar for upcoming events!