BRiDGES Tobacco Control Program is calling on community members in Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties to share their voices through the newly launched Tobacco-Free Outdoors Survey. This survey is designed to gather feedback on how well local tobacco-free policies are working, whether signage is visible, and where improvements may be needed to better protect residents from secondhand smoke and the environmental impact of tobacco waste on our communities.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death, and research shows that strong, well-enforced tobacco-free policies are among the most effective tools for protecting public health. However, policies only create lasting change when they are both visible and supported by the communities they serve.

“Signs and policies go hand in hand,” said Samantha Dartt, Community Engagement Lead Coordinator with BRiDGES Tobacco Control Program. “If people are not aware of the policies, or if signage is missing or unclear, then the effectiveness of those policies is weakened. By collecting input directly from community members we can work together to strengthen existing policies and make sure they are having the intended impact.”

The surveys are open to anyone who lives, works, or spends time in communities with tobacco-free or smoke-free policies in place.

Participants will be asked to provide feedback about:

  • Whether signage is present, visible, and easy to understand.
  • How well the policies are being followed in public spaces such as parks, municipal buildings, and community events.
  • Opportunities to improve communication and enforcement of these policies.
  • The impact of tobacco free policies on community health.

Feedback from the survey will guide BRiDGES Tobacco Control Program in supporting local community leaders, businesses, and organizations with tools such as updated signage, policy education, and policy assistance. By identifying strengths and gaps, the program can help ensure that local policies continue to reduce exposure to harmful secondhand smoke and normalize healthier, tobacco-free community spaces.

BRiDGES invites all community members who live in Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida counties to take a few minutes to share their perspective. Community input helps us understand what’s working and where more support is needed to ensure tobacco-free policies are truly protecting our youth, families, and entire communities.

The Tobacco-Free Policy Survey is available online by scanning the QR code below or by going to https://forms.gle/CGr752cDb2Z7z5tr9.

For more information, call BRiDGES at 315-697-3947. BRiDGES – Madison County Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, Inc. is a not-for-profit prevention agency. For over 35 years, BRiDGES has been a leader in providing advocacy, resources, and services to the community, workforce, families, and individuals through prevention and intervention programs that promote change, strengthen families, and build healthy communities. BRiDGES’ services have continued to evolve over time. For more information on all of our programs, visit www.bridgescouncil.org.