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December 12, 2000

GROUP COMMENDS TURNPIKE ON 
SMOKE-FREE SERVICE PLAZAS

The American Lung Association of Pennsylvania recently recognized the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission for encouraging Turnpike service plazas to go smoke free.

"We’re delighted that travelers across our state can now enjoy smoke-free environments in nearly all the 22 service plazas on the Pennsylvania Turnpike," said Kathy Fackler, Chief Executive Officer of the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania. "We appreciate the efforts of the various service plaza vendors and operators to get behind this idea and see it through."

All but two of the service plazas on the Turnpike’s east-west mainline from the Ohio border to the New Jersey border are smoke free (Oakmont and New Stanton are the exceptions). All plazas on the Northeastern Extension (Norristown to Clarks Summit) are now smoke free.

"This move reflects a nationwide trend to create smoke-free settings in restaurants, retail shops and other businesses that serve the public," said Turnpike Executive Director John Durbin. "It further demonstrates a commitment to customers on behalf of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the vendors that are contracted to operate our service plazas, HMS Host Inc. and McDonald’s Corp."

"Our goal is to provide a healthful atmosphere in which all of our customers can be comfortable and enjoy themselves," said Rick Conrad, Director of Turnpike Operations for HMS Host Inc., which runs 16 of the 22 plazas. "I feel confident that Turnpike travelers will notice a fresher, more hygienic environment as a result of the decision to go smoke free."

A plaque was presented to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recognizing their achievement. Travelers will soon see window static stickers, courtesy of the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania, at each of the smoke-free service plazas.

For more information, call the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania at 1-800-932-0903 or the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission at 1-800-331-3414.

EDITORS/REPORTERS: Photos and graphics are available to accompany this story. To receive a photo electronically, e-mail Carl DeFebo at cdefebo@paturnpike.com or call him at 717-939-9551 ext. 2934.

The American Lung Association of Pennsylvania (ALAPA) is a charitable health organization dedicated to preventing lung disease and promoting lung health, through research, education, advocacy and community service. Founded in 1892 to fight tuberculosis, ALAPA today fights lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control and environmental health. ALAPA is supported by donations to Christmas Seals® and other voluntary contributions. You may obtain additional information via our national website at: www.lungusa.org.

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