Birmingham Approves Non-Smoking ‘Health District’

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Birmingham City Council Tuesday approved an ordinance that will ban smoking in the newly named Health District on the city's Southside. The district encompasses 100 blocks.

The ordinance would prohibit smoking outside UAB Medical Center, The Children's Hospital of Alabama, Cooper Green Mercy Health Services The Jefferson County Board of Health, Southern Research and The Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center.

“The entities within the Health District are leaders in promoting wellness through education, research and healthcare that help the residents of Birmingham, Jefferson County and beyond live better lives,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin. “I am grateful for the leadership of these organizations, and I join the Birmingham City Council in full support.”

The Health District will officially launch Dec. 1. In the coming months, partner organizations will provide specific guidance to those who visit their campuses. Property owners within the district will have the option to create designated smoking areas on their property, if not prohibited by another ordinance.

UAB has had a non-smoking policy in place since 2015, but the institution began to champion the idea of a health district to promote health and wellness, including tobacco cessation, clean air and walkability. With more than 22,000 students, 23,000 faculty and staff, and well over a million annual patient visits, as well as other visors, UAB sees the Health District as an opportunity to reach and help countless people.

"UAB recently launched a Grand Challenge – Healthy Alabama 2030: Live HealthSmart – with the goal of significantly improving the health of Alabamians," said UAB President and Southern Research Interim CEO Ray L. Watts. "This Health District is one of the many initiatives we will advance through our unique ability to make our state healthier through our focus on education, research, innovation and economic development, patient care and community service."