(Brampton) - Peel Health's innovative Breathing Space smoke-free homes campaign, which encourages smokers to "Take It Outside", recently received two major awards. The campaign was led by Peel Health and implemented across the GTA in partnership with the Durham, Halton, Hamilton, Toronto and York Health Departments.

The Toronto Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators presented an Ovation Award to Peel Health at its Annual Awards Gala dinner on April 24, 2001. The Ovation Award recognizes outstanding efforts in strategic communications.

The Radio Marketing Bureau, an organization that promotes effective use of the radio medium, also recognized the Breathing Space campaign with its Crystal Award.

The Breathing Space campaign used radio, transit and newspaper advertising, as well as posters, fact sheets and smoke-free identifiers for windows, to encourage schools, health professionals and members of the community to reduce their exposure to second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of death in Ontario.

The highly successful Breathing Space campaign ran from June to October 2000 and again in February and March 2001. According to an evaluation conducted by Lang Research Inc., the Breathing Space campaign significantly increased the likelihood that individuals would ask someone who smoked to not smoke in their home. It also increased the likelihood that individuals would support education programs concerning second-hand smoke and agree that second-hand smoke is a serious health hazard.

For more information on Breathing Space and to receive a smoke-free window identifier for your home or automobile, call Health Line Peel at 905-799-7700.