I was interested to read in May 30, Region section of The Day that the local launch of the Million Hearts national initiative to prevent heart attacks and strokes will take place at the Mohegan Sun Wolf Den.

As a public facility that still permits indoor smoking, this is an ironic and poorly chosen choice of venues for an event with a mission to educate the public about prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Smoking is a major preventable cause of heart attacks and strokes. When smoking is permitted within the casino, both its patrons and employees are at high risk for secondhand smoke exposure, a well-documented cause of disease.

It is hypocritical for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to involve itself with casino executives whose business interests have trumped health initiatives embodied in Connecticut's smoke-free air laws.