About Us

Who are we?

The One Air Alliance is a grassroots community health coalition comprised of Springfield citizens from all walks of life, including business leaders, healthcare professionals and civic volunteers. The coalition was formed to protect the health of all people living, working and visiting the Springfield community.

What do we do?

The Alliance is currently focused on a public education campaign designed to increase awareness of the adverse health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke, encourage businesses to go smokefree, and promote the importance of clean indoor air. We want to be clear that the purpose of the coalition is to protect the right of every individual to breathe clean air and to encourage local businesses to do the same.

Smoke from a burning cigarette contains more than 4,000 chemicals and at least 60 carcinogens, meaning that the smoker, and every single person in proximity, inhales these chemicals. The effects of exposure to secondhand smoke can be nearly as large as chronic, active smoking. Even brief exposure to secondhand smoke has an immediate negative impact and can lead to a variety of chronic and life-threatening ailments, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer.

For these reasons, the One Air Alliance is currently exploring opportunities to further protect the Springfield community from exposure to secondhand smoke in public facilities and all workplaces. As part of that process, the coalition is visiting with many health partners, business executives and civic leaders to gather feedback, while also engaging our neighbors and colleagues regarding the best way to move forward.

Where are we headed?

The One Air Alliance anticipates that these interviews, a study focusing on the quality of local indoor air, and other community engagement will be complete in the coming months. Once a thorough evaluation of the coalition’s findings has been accomplished, additional information will be made public. Our coalition desires to engage the community, especially workplaces, in a variety of ways with the intention of educating, encouraging, and equipping businesses with the resources they need to go smokefree.

For media inquiries as to our current position and future direction, please contact our Media Relations contact, Stephen Hall. He can be reached at his office (417.881.1128) or by cell phone (417.551.1645). He may also be reached by email at stephen.hall@heart.org.

What can I do?

There are many ways you can be involved with One Air Alliance.

First, become our fan on Facebook! We will use this site to share updates about our activity in the Springfield community this spring and to post announcements about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. We will also start discussions forums regarding secondhand smoke exposure and smokefree air and post pictures of our events, videos, notes, and related links. Be a part of the conversation on the One Air Alliance Facebook fan page.

Second, give us a call! You can contact One Air Alliance at (417) 380-3894. Please feel free to call us with any questions, ideas, and/or personal stories related to our efforts. If you are a member of the media, please contact volunteer Chair Stephen Hall at (417) 551-1645.

Third, attend or volunteer at an upcoming event! For a list of our upcoming events, visit our What’s New This Week page.

Fourth, get the word out! Tell your friends and family about the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure. Feel free to contact us for resources or ideas about sharing this information in your corner of our community. We have a community engagement packet we would love to send you, as well as window clings and supporter cards. Send us an email at at info@oneairalliance.org, and we will respond as soon as possible!