From spring 2004 through spring 2006, stand Team members did lots to help pass 19 clean indoor air ordinances in and around the state capitol, Columbus, Ohio. stand leaders don't just talk about secondhand smoke, they do something about it. So, stand youth from all over passed out "I'm a Model" buttons to encourage adults to be good role models. Then, they held "No Smoking Section" events in local hot spots like restaurants and bowling alleys to highlight the importance of clean indoor air. By wearing t-shirts saying "No Smoking Section," the stand Teams made silent, but powerful statements about secondhand smoke. Many stand Team leaders also testified in front of local city councils to support the cause. They stood up in front of adults and teens just like them to tell their elected officials exactly why all Ohioans deserve to breathe clean air.

In November 2006, Ohio voters spoke and made Ohio a smoke-free state. That's right, effective Dec. 6, 2006, smoking is prohibited from restaurants, bowling alleys and other public places. Ohioans can now breathe clean air at their favorite hang outs. Kudos to all the stand youth who spread the word about the dangers of secondhand smoke. You helped lay the foundation for change in Ohio and now we're all breathing the benefits.