President Clinton reaffirmed his previous Executive Order (13058) issued on August 9, 1997, establishing a smoke-free environment for federal facilities. He wrote, "We need to build on our progress." He directed the head of each executive department and agency to send a message to all personnel that (1)-encourages them to stop smoking or never start; (2)-describes assistance the agency can provide in helping them quit smoking; (3)-provides information on proven smoking cessation treatments and practices; (4)-encourages participation in the American Cancer Societys Great American Smoke out scheduled for November 16, 2000.

"OPM supports and encourages agency authorized programs aimed at health promotion and disease prevention, including smoking cessation programs," stated Lachance. "According to reports issued by the Surgeon General, smoking is the chief avoidable cause of death in our society. Programs designed to help employees stop smoking are in the best interests of those federal employees who smoke and those who do not smoke."

In encouraging agencies to review their smoking cessation programs, the President told agency heads to consult the new HHS guidelines to determine key elements of an effective program and identify areas for program enhancement and also visit OPMs website Model Smoking Cessation Program.

Director Lachance said, "Each year federal families lose loved ones due to illness related to tobacco use, and I welcome the Presidents charge for OPM to help stop this cruel and expensive loss of our most valuable resource-our employees. We will provide assistance to all agencies as they address the Presidents charge."

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Guidance on Establishing Programs Designed to Help Employees Stop Smoking