Five Questions: Carrie Reynolds

Carrie Reynolds started volunteering with Breathe Easy Springfield three years ago when she was community manager at the American Cancer Society. While she took on the role of Development Director of Lost and Found in March, she’s continuing her work with Breathe Easy as co-chairwoman of its new task force, One Air Alliance. The grassroots group is funded by a $60,000 grant from the Missouri Foundation of Health.

Q: Explain where Breathe Easy Springfield leaves off and One Air Alliance takes over.
A: Breathe Easy has been a component in the community for a long time, to address smoking issues, whether that be secondhand smoke or smoking cessation … When we decided that we wanted to really focus some energy on educating on secondhand smoke, especially in the workplace, we wanted to develop a task force that could dedicate all its energy to that specific topic.

Q: What made you decide to serve as co-chair at One Air Alliance?
A: During my time at the Cancer Society, I underwent cancer treatment and experienced a lot of toxicity to my lungs as a result of that. And I really struggled (breathing when) exposed to smoke in the community. I already had a passion for public health and tobacco issues. As it became a genuine health concern for me, that passion increased. I really became aware that if I went into a smoky restaurant for a few minutes and the dramatic effect it had on my breathing, how difficult it must be for people who work in that environment and breathe that air every day.

Q: Bars and restaurants come to mind when you think of high levels of smoke in the workplace. But you’ve found other businesses that still allow smoking?
A: Yes, there are businesses throughout the community that have private break rooms that allow smoking. There are retail establishments that allow it. It really runs the gamut.

Q: What is One Air Alliance doing to try to change the number of businesses that allow smoking in the workplace?
A: Our goal is to make sure the community has a clear understanding that secondhand smoke is … truly a public health concern. We want the community to understand that an effective way of addressing the issue and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke is to pass a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance for the city. We hope that the outcome would be a movement within the city to take next steps and figure out the best course of action.

Q: One Air Alliance has nearly 20 members and another 80 businesses that have voiced support. Can people still become members, and what type of commitment is required?
A: Yes. For an individual to be a part, they just have to have a passion for public health and the health of our community. They could be as involved as they want to be. There are a variety of opportunities. As far as businesses go, being willing to display information within their facility about the effects of secondhand smoke and being willing to publicly support clean air in Springfield.
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