Vance reducing tobacco use areas Published March 19, 2013 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tobacco users at Vance will soon see a significant reduction in authorized tobacco use areas, better known as Designated Tobacco Areas. The push to reduce DTAs is based on health and readiness as well as compliance with the recently updated Air Force Instruction 40-102, "Tobacco Use in the Air Force." This AFI states that tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and its use degrades the state of military readiness and the health of military personnel. According to the guidelines outlined in AFI 40-102, DTAs must now be a minimum of 50 feet from building entries and pedestrian sidewalks, to include parking lots, and 100 feet from playgrounds. The reduction in DTAs will be conducted in two phases with Phase 1 occurring later this month. During this initial phase, no DTAs will be relocated; however, the current 63 DTAs will be reduced by 19, leaving a total of 44. See the table below for areas affected. Phase 2, the final phase of the reduction, is scheduled for completion by the end of May, depending on weather conditions and budgetary constraints. During this phase, several areas will require relocation and the pouring of cement pads to be in full compliance with the AFI 40-102 requirements. When Phase 2 is complete, there will be a total of 25 locations where tobacco use will be authorized at Vance. The reduction in DTAs will not affect the military housing area. Tobacco use is defined in AFI 40-102 as, but not limited to, cigars, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, stem pipes, water pipes, hookahs and smokeless tobacco products that are chewed, dipped or sniffed. Authorized DTAs will be identifiable by the presence of a sign designating the area for tobacco use and a receptacle for safe disposal of smoking materials. Vance got a head start on compliance with AFI 40-102 when the 71st Medical Group became a tobacco-free campus in July 2011. Signs posted at the entry gates to the base state, "Tobacco use is prohibited on this installation, except in Designated Tobacco Areas." For Team Vance members ready to stop their tobacco use, the Health and Wellness Center offers tobacco cessation programs that provide help and information on living a tobacco-free lifestyle. For more information, contact Joel Urdang, the 71st Medical Group Health Promotion Program Manager, 213-6420. Phase 1 - The following buildings/locations will see a reduction in the existing tobacco use areas during Phase 1. A total of 19 sites will be eliminated during this phase. Buildings/Locations Current Removed 119/122/125/128/129 6 3 141/144/146 4 2 140/154/155/163 3 1 170/173/174 3 1 171/172/179/182/183/187/192 6 2 178/195/196 3 1 410/415/293 6 2 312/314/316 4 2 421/423/455 5 2 601/602 4 2 Park/Playground 1 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL 19