New Law Supports Adventist Health Message

When President Obama signed into law bipartisan legislation granting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco products, Oakwood was there. 

This is the strongest action the federal government has ever taken to reduce tobacco use, the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. This new law will protect children from the tobacco industry's predatory marketing, save countless lives and reduce the enormous health and financial burden that tobacco use imposes on this country. This new law is a tribute to the leadership and tenacity of its lead sponsors in Congress, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA). These and other members of Congress have played leadership roles, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT), who shepherded the legislation through the Senate this year.

Oakwood University Alumni Association President Dr. DeWitt Williams was present when the law was signed.  As Director of Health Ministries for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists www.nadhealthministries.org.  Dr. Williams was invited to the signing in the Rose Garden of the White House, and had the opportunity to meet  President Barack Obama,  other faith leaders, as well as Senators Dodd and Mansfield.   More information on the new law can be found at the websites for Tobacco-Free Kids: www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/fda and www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/fda.

Submitted by OU Public Relations and Matthew L. Myers, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids