Tobacco Free Florida reports that starting July 31, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will prohibit the use of cigarettes, cigars and pipes in all public housing units and common areas, as well as any outdoor area within 25 feet of public housing grounds.
Smokefree housing policies protect residents from secondhand smoke and reduce the risk of smoking-related fires in residential buildings. Tobacco Free Florida says it’s important to remind everyone of the free tools and services offered by the Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida program. Tobacco Free Florida provides FREE services and FREE nicotine replacement therapy (like the patch). More than 188,000 Floridians have successfully quit using one of these free services.
Lifesaving information is available through the following:
- Information about the free services is available at tobaccofreeflorida.com
- Floridians can call the quitline at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (1-877-822-6669)
- A graphic with more information about the FREE services can be accessed here:https://www.webcargo.net/l/pwRohrjfMd/
Tobacco Free Florida grantees across the state worked with the public housing agencies in their communities to provide access to cessation services and help successfully implement smokefree policies. If you’d like more information, I am happy to connect you with a local grantee near you. For more information on smokefree housing, please visit: tobaccofreeflorida.com/smokefreehousing (note: this webpage is not specific to public housing)