In the news:  Public Housing residents are already responding, but it won’t be long before the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) comes up with a final rule to address the smoking ban in all public housing units.

This isn’t a new subject because there are many communities and establishments that have already successfully implemented and maintained smoking bans.  But some public housing residents are asking:  What about their rights as individuals?  Why are consumers from marginalized communities being penalized?  What about cessation programs and other supports for those who have been addicted?  Some outsiders are asking if this is something that can realistically, financially be enforced. Will it be worth the resources needed to uphold such a ban?

The Public Housing Authorities will have their work cut out for them; and then there are the unintended consequences…   

For more information, read:

“Getting residents on board with proposed smoking ban in public housing” – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

“Potential smoking ban in public housing concerns residents” – Peoria Journal Star

“Public Housing Nationwide May Be Subject to Smoking Ban” – The New York Times

“Smoke-Free Multifamily Housing Toolkits” – HUD.GOV

“New study reignites flame linking cigarettes and schizophrenia”  CJ Spencer, SLHLE