As announced six months ago, on July 1, 2006, the Wyoming Department of
Corrections (WDOC) is tobacco-free in all its facilities, including
offices and prisons.

According to Bob Lampert, Director of the WDOC, “The WDOC is
committed to providing a safe and healthy working and living environment
– an environment that is clean and sanitary, an environment that
promotes good health, and an environment in which resources are
efficiently utilized.” Due to growing evidence of the negative health
effects of exposure to tobacco, the WDOC joins with the Federal Bureau
of Prison and 32 other states that already have bans or partial tobacco
bans in place.

In order to make the transition to tobacco-free easier for staff,
inmates and offenders, the WDOC began in February 2006 to offer tobacco
education and cessation services. Anyone who has enrolled in the
program receives assistance and required Nicotine Replacement Therapies
free of charge. The expenses are covered by a legislative appropriation
received from funds received by the state from tobacco companies in a
Master Settlement Agreement.

According to the WDOC, a total of 880 inmates, 237 probationers and
parolees, and 120 staff members have registered for tobacco cessation
and have taken advantage of the opportunity for assistance in their quit
effort.

“We know that quitting tobacco is a tough road to follow, but one
that reaps benefits for everyone,” said Director Lampert. “We are
glad that we’ve been able to assist those who want to quit, making
that road a little easier to travel.”