The Harrison County Health Department is surveying public attitudes about tobacco use.
Sarah Linthacum, health educator for the agency, said the survey contains 10 questions relating to local opinions about such issues as smoking in restaurants and public buildings.
One question, for instance, asks whether the respondent avoids dining at restaurants that permit smoking in some areas.
âWe are trying to accurately gauge what the county-wide feeling about tobacco use is,â Linthacum said.
The questions appear on the website Survey Monkey. The health department asks that surveys be completed by Nov. 15. Residents who place their names and telephone numbers on the survey will be entered into a drawing for three Subway gift cards.
The health department received a grant for youth tobacco advocacy. South Harrison and Gilman City students are already involved in anti-smoking campaigns. They are participated in such programs as the Great American Smokeout and Kick Butts Day and have attended advocacy events in Jefferson City.
Both schools already have approved policies that ban tobacco products from school grounds.
Linthacum said she expects that similar youth organizations will be established in other county schoolsâif that hasnât already been done.
The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/M2YF9VS