Virginia prison facilities going tobacco-free  

Virginia's roughly 40 state prisons, correctional field units and work release centers aim to be smokeand tobacco-free by Feb. 1 for staff and inmates.

Inmates were notified in January by a memo from Gene M. Johnson, director of the Virginia Department of Corrections. "Even when change is for the better, it can be difficult, and I appreciate your cooperation," wrote Johnson, who made the decision.

"Eliminating tobacco products has many positive outcomes including improved personal health, longer [life] and increased sanitation and safety in our facilities," he said.

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