PROMOTING CESSATION IN SMOKE-FREE HOUSING
Ways to Promote Cessation
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Include smoking cessation resources in the smoke-free policy (model smoke-free lease addendum)
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Include smoking cessation flyers or brochures in resident move-in packets
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Post smoking cessation posters in common areas or on community bulletin boards
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Make smoking cessation brochures available in the leasing office
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Distribute smoking cessation information door-to-door
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Include smoking cessation information when addressing smoke-free policy violations
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Include smoking cessation information with other healthy living programs
Ideas for Cessation Programming in Smoke-Free Housing
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Invite a community partner (such as a health organization) to present cessation information at a resident meeting
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Start a Quitter’s Club to recognize residents who reach their quitting goals
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Help residents organize a quitters support group
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Ask a community partner to offer smoking cessation services on-site
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Ask a community partner to train resident volunteers as smoke-free liaisons who can connect fellow residents with smoking cessation services
When to Promote Cessation
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There’s no wrong time!
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Before, during, and after smoke-free policy implementation
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At the on-set of colder temperatures
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New Years season
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Great American Smokeout – national annual cessation event each November
Community Partners
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Community organizations may be able to provide smoking cessation support and services that a housing provider could not normally provide on their own. Consider some of the following community partners to advance smoking cessation promotions and programs in housing.
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Health clinics and providers
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State or local health department
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Nonprofit health organizations
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Social service providers
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Local pharmacies
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Fire departments
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Colleges and universities (research)
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Ready to find a community partner? The Global Directory of Smoke-Free Housing Programs is a great place to start.
Cessation Tools and Resources for
Smoke-Free Housing
Quit Partner (Minnesota
Quit Partner is Minnesota’s free way to quit nicotine, including smoking, vaping and chewing. Quit Partner offers one-on-one coaching and other helpful tools, 24/7.
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Download posters and flyers in multiple languages to post in common areas or distribute to residents
Materials and Resources from Live Smoke Free and our Partners
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Sample door hanger (Dakota County); Sample door hanger (Minneapolis Health Department)
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Sample public housing cessation campaign (Dakota County, MN)
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Sample newsletter article (Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, South St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority)
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Contact Live Smoke Free to request a cessation presentation for your building
Educational Materials from the American Lung Association in Minnesota
National Resources
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American Lung Association Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-LUNGUSA
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“Your Building is Smokefree, How About You?” poster (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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1-800-QUIT-NOW Cards (Smoking Cessation Leadership Center)
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Global Directory of Smoke-Free Housing Programs (to find community partners)
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Tips from Former Smokers campaign (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Nicotine Dependence Center (Mayo Clinic)
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Tobacco Cessation and the Affordable Care Act – American Lung Association
Cessation Stories
Read what some Minnesota renters had to say about getting cessation support at their smoke-free building.
“The smoking support group [at my apartment building] gives us a place to talk openly without judgement. We support each other. Plus it’s fun and gives us something to do besides smoke.”
Donnetta
South St. Paul Renter
“Even though life gets in the way, because of [cessation] coaching [at my apartment building] I’m always mindful of how much I’m smoking.”
Sheila
South St. Paul Renter