Parents pledge to make homes smoke-free.

A 2006 U.S. Surgeon General's report stated that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke around children. Children are particularly at risk from the dangers of secondhand smoke because their lungs are still growing, increasing the likelihood of developing asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.

To increase community awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure, RSU #16 and Healthy Androscoggin worked collaboratively to design and implement a "Smoke Free Home Pledge" campaign that was presented at all RSU #16 schools during open house season. Parents and community members where provided relevant health information, as well as a portion of freshly grown local produce that was offered as an incentive for homes that pledged. 

At the end of the campaign, 152 homes in the community formally pledged to create or maintain an existing smoke free environment, many other homes verbally committed to not expose their children to secondhand smoke. The gracious donations from; Chipman Farms, Summit Springs Farm, and Verrill's Vegetable Stand helped make "Smoke Free Home Pledge" a success. Thank you local farms for taking an active role in the welfare of RSU #16 community members.