Albany County Legislature
The American Heart Association applauds the Albany County Legislature tonight, as it voted to ban the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies. The county Legislature approved Local Law A 26 – 11, with one abstention.
“This is a great step forward for the health of Albany County residents,” said Caitlin O’Brien, New York state government relations director for the American Heart Association. “Smoking remains a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 5 killers in America. To have tobacco products sold in pharmacies, that are designed to improve health, never made any sense. The American Heart Association thanks the Albany County Legislature for passing this law tonight.”
The law now goes to Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy for his signature. Before that, there must be a public hearing.
“Albany County was among the first to raise the minimum legal sales age for tobacco products to 21,” O’Brien said. “We’re looking forward to having the County Executive further make Albany County a leader in making the healthy choice the easy choice by signing this law.”
Our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.