By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

BEGINNING May 31, 2007, the Governor’s Office complex in Adelup will be smoke-free.
This was announced yesterday by Lt. Gov. Michael W. Cruz, who met with the executive staff to inform them that Adelup will set the example of government employees leading healthier lifestyles.
Cruz said the smoke-free policy eventually will be phased-in throughout the government of Guam.
“As we phase in this policy, the governor and I are asking the executive staff to set the example to the rest of GovGuam that this government is seriously committed to a healthier Guam,” Cruz said.
To facilitate this, a smoking cessation program will be offered to government employees. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse also will step up outreach efforts to educate employees about the benefits of not smoking.
“We’re going to help those who smoke but want to quit, succeed,” Cruz said.
Gov. Felix P. Camacho has tasked Cruz with the administration’s healthcare policies as he is a medical doctor who is passionate about improving people’s health and preventing disease.
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor is currently drafting a GovGuam-wide smoke-free policy that the governor will make into an executive order. “We want our employees to lead healthier lives and I hope this policy encourages those who smoke to quit or to cut down,” the governor said.
Heart disease, cancer and stroke—the top three causes of death on Guam—are all directly related to smoking. Guam also has the highest rate of smoking in the nation.
“What drove me into office is this desire to improve healthcare and that’s what we will accomplish here. Our smoke-free initiative is just one component of our plan to make this island healthy. We’re going to focus on more sports activities for our kids, healthy living education, and preventive care,” Cruz said.
Agencies such as the Guam Public School System, the Guam Memorial Hospital, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and the Department of Corrections already have smoke-free policies.
“There are many diseases we can prevent by not smoking and we know we can succeed in making Guam a healthier place to live. We’re taking this first step toward a healthier GovGuam workforce and setting the right example to our children,” the lieutenant governor said.