On November 9th, our First Breath program, which helps pregnant women quit smoking, hosted a webinar called “What’s Going on in Tobacco Prevention & Control.” We were joined by two guest speakers, Jamie Zach, Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Coordinator with the American Lung Association, and Spencer Straub, Media & Communications Coordinator with the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program to take a look at the new Housing Urban Development (HUD) Ruling and “Tobacco is Changing” Campaign.
We encourage you to view the recorded webinar for all the details, but here are some highlights:
What is the HUD Ruling?
The HUD Ruling, effective February 3, 2017, aims to protect individuals and families from the dangers of secondhand smoke by restricting smoking in federally-assisted public housing nationwide. The U.S. Surgeon General warns us that breathing secondhand smoke, even for short time, is dangerous, especially for children, the elderly, and disabled. Low-income and other disadvantaged individuals and families are the most likely to suffer from breathing secondhand smoke, causing such health risks as heart attacks, lung cancer, asthma, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The HUD Ruling prohibits lit tobacco products in all indoor areas, common areas, and administrative office buildings as well as within a 25-foot buffer from housing buildings.
What are the benefits of the HUD Ruling?
By creating smoke-free housing, the HUD reduces harmful secondhand smoke exposure, supports quit efforts, motivates quit attempts, and boosts resident engagement. It’s also a benefit to landlords and managers by reducing building fire risk and property maintenance costs.
Where can I learn more?
Visit www.wismokefreehousing.com for information and to reach out to your local Tobacco Control Coordinator with questions.
What is the “Tobacco is Changing” campaign?
Launched on October 31, 2017, the campaign is meant to inform parents about the new trends in tobacco products. It’s not just about cigarettes anymore. Tobacco products come in a variety of forms with enticing colored packaging and flavors like Gummy Bear, banana smash, grape, and root beer float to target children. The campaign helps parents become familiar with “the new face of tobacco” and create conversation with their kids about staying healthy and tobacco-free.
Where can I find campaign materials?
Watch for the campaign to run through February in various media, or view campaign materials on the Tobacco is Changing webpage.