From Hanzeplein to smoke-free square. On Wednesday afternoon 9 October during the Healthy Ageing Week, the campaign for a smoke-free Hanzeplein has been launched by Jos Aartsen, chairman of the Board of the UMCG. “Since January 2019 the UMCG is smoke-free, in order to make a contribution to achieving a smoke-free generation. It is great to be able to make this square into a smoke-free square, together with our neighbors at the Hanzeplein and children. Not just on behalf of the new generation, but also on behalf of myself: thank you for this smoke-free square", says Jos van Aartsen. 

Joint initiative

Three large flags with a positive and clear message are now visible at the Hanzeplein. A new generation - from baby, toddler until teenager - says 'thank you' for this smoke-free square. The campaign has emerged as a result of the desire of a number of inhabitants and companies at the Hanzeplein, who want to make sure the square is a healthy environment. Smoking next to the main entrance of the UMCG, the GGD, the pharmacy and also close to companies who work on the future of health does not match with the joint ambitions.

Opening of a smoke-free square with the next generation

After the opening remarks, the three flags have been revealed by Jos Aartsen, Edward van der Meer (Director of Triade) and Jos Rietveld (Director Public Health GGD) in the presence of co-initiators and a group of children, who first heard a speech about smoking in the UMCG by Mirte van Oss (9 years old). After that, the initiators have received a flag that they will place in front of their own door. 

The campagne for a smoke-free Hanzeplein is an initiative of the UMCG, GGD Groningen, Triade, Apotheek Hanzeplein, VNN and Campus Groningen.