Partnering for smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing and outdoor areas

INTRODUCTION: Public places and workplaces have been smoke-free in Washington since 2005. To further mitigate exposure to secondhand smoke, create environments where quitting is easier and to strengthen social norms of not smoking, Public Health- Seattle & King County worked with partners to use CPPW funds to create new smoke-free and tobacco-free policies. The focus environments are used by youth and by populations with some of the highest rates of tobacco use - young adults, people of low-income and people receiving treatment for mental health issues or chemical dependency. These environments include parks, affordable housing, healthcare sites and colleges and universities.

METHODS: Public Health used a variety of mechanisms to increase the number of smoke-free and tobacco-free policies in new sectors. Strategies included: competitive grants, community mobilization, media campaigns, contract language changes, Board of Health resolution, expert technical assistance, sector-specific dialogues, cessation support and non-competitive small grants. Key partners were local governments, sector funders, housing providers, community organizations and youth groups.

RESULTS: Work with partners has created over 10,000 units of smoke-free affordable housing at housing authorities and other providers, up to 22 city parks policies, 40 tobacco-free mental health and chemical dependency treatment agencies, five tobacco-free hospitals and up to five smoke-free colleges and universities. We will describe progress and obstacles in implementing policies in these new environments.

DISCUSSION: Jurisdictions with smoke-free public places and workplaces can create more smoke-free and tobacco-free spaces in housing, parks, healthcare, and colleges and universities with support from key partnerships.