Beverly Hills City Councilmember John A. Mirisch has joined the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Board of Trustees. Founded in 1967, ASH is the oldest anti-tobacco organization in the world. Its mission is to bring about zero deaths from tobacco, the leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
Mirisch has served on the City Council since 2009, with terms as Mayor in 2013, 2016 and 2019.
It was during his last term as Mayor that the City voted to phase out the sale of commercial tobacco products. As of Jan. 1, 2021, the sales ban will apply to all retailers, including gas stations, convenience stores, pharmacies, and grocery stores. “This is reflective of our community. And somebody has to be first. Let us be a light onto other cities,” said then-Mayor Mirisch of the policy.
A statement released by ASH emphasized Mirisch’s accomplishments in Beverly Hills.
“His extensive experience in public health policymaking will make him an ideal advocate for ASH and its partners as we work towards zero deaths from tobacco,” the statement read.
ASH Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Alfred Munzer noted that Mirisch “will be an invaluable asset” to the organization.
“As a physician specializing in lung disease, I have witnessed the terrible toll in disease and death exacted by smoking. I applaud John Mirisch and the Beverly Hills City Council for setting an example to other localities on a way to protect the health and well-being of their citizens,” said Munzer.
“We are honored to welcome John’s expertise and insight onto ASH’s Board of Trustees. His track record is clear: he has been a champion for public health, willing to take risks and advocate for innovative measures to protect the health of his constituents. We hope other states and localities can follow his and Beverly Hills’ lead,” said ASH Executive Director Laurent Huber.
