Implementing Smokefree Housing Policies within Alaska Native/American Indian Housing Authorities

Implementing Smokefree Housing Policies within AI/AN Housing Authorities Panelists: * Patricia Paulus – Aleutian Housing Authority, Alaska * Paul Davis – State of Washington Tobacco Prevention and Control, Washington * June Mayer of the Cherokee Nation * Facilitation by Betty MacTavish, KANA and Laura Muller, NVO Audience: * Individuals in Tobacco Control that are currently working with Tribal Housing Authorities. Skills will be transferable to all those working with Smokefree Housing both public and private as advocates or management. Key Points: * Housing Authorities serving American Indian and Alaska Native people pose a unique set of benefits and challenges for staff and advocates working towards Smokefree housing policy change. These panelists have successfully implemented Smokefree policies and are willing to share the benefit of their experience. * In addition to describing the process by which their organizations conceived, implemented and enforced policy change, presenters will also address key components of how policy change methods were influenced by unique AI/AN factors including: High Tobacco Use Prevalence Cultural/Financial/Geographical Considerations Educational Experience: * Through panelists’ presentations of their successes and challenges followed by Q/A , attendees will be able to compare and contrast their own community situations. Benefits: * Individuals will be able to utilize the information presented when approaching their own Housing Authorities either tribal or non-tribal. Pathways to Tobacco Use Policy development, implementation and enforcement will be clearly explained in a format that others can replicate.