Since 1964, approximately 2.5 million nonsmokers have died from health problems caused by exposure to secondhand smoke in homes and workplaces. In buildings that have multiple housing units, secondhand smoke can move from unit to unit through hallways and stairwells, effecting children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
In February, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established a smoke-free rule that became effective for every U.S. public housing agency.
Lancaster General Health has been working with local multiunit housing organizations for several years to adopt smoke-free policies. Lancaster City Housing Authority will be adopting a smoke-free policy October 1, 2017. The path to policy adoption includes drafting policy, educating staff and residents about policy changes and providing support to those impacted.
In addition, LG Health and the Clean Indoor Air Council provided educational staff training and on site quit tobacco classes for residents.
To register for a FREE quit tobacco program call 1-888-LGH-INFO (888-544-4636).
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