Building a Successful Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Program: Tools for Advocates

* Audience: Public health professionals and tobacco control advocates new to smoke-free (SF) multi-unit housing (MUH) work or planning to begin a SF MUH program in their community. * Key Points: MUH is one of the few remaining indoor areas in the U.S. not covered by SF laws. Over 92 million U.S. residents live in rental dwellings; many from populations disparately impacted by tobacco use: ethnic minorities, low-income, children, and those with chronic diseases. The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development strongly encourages public housing authorities to adopt SF policies. Governmental health agencies are funding communities to work on SF MUH policies. The Live Smoke Free (LSF) program in Minnesota has assisted hundreds of landlords in adopting SF MUH policies and has trained dozens of public health professionals on how to assist landlords in adopting SF MUH policies. This session will cover LSF’s nine stages of SF MUH program development: 1) the case for SF MUH; 2) understanding the MUH industry; 3) building your SF MUH program; 4) understanding legal issues; 5) strategies to reach the MUH industry; 6) assisting the MUH industry with policy adoption; 7) providing cessation in SF buildings; 8) working with renters; and 9) sustaining your SF MUH program. * Educational Experience: Through powerpoint, video clips, and handouts, the presenters will provide tips, tools, and lessons learned from Minnesota and other states with successful SF MUH programs. * Benefits: Attendees will obtain a framework and numerous tools for initiating SF MUH policy work in their community.