Introducing a new policy for your community may seem difficult to start. Here we have provided some model policies that you can use right away.
Parks
A study published in 2007 found that secondhand smoke exposure in outdoor areas such as parks can rival secondhand smoke amounts in indoor spaces.
100% Tobacco-Free Parks Model Policy
Colleges and Universities
Did you know that 24.8% of full-time college students aged 18-22 years old were current smokers in 2010. Considering that progression from occasional to daily smoking almost always occurs by age 26, reaching colleges students is critical.
Tobacco Free College or University Model Policy
Tobacco Free Colleges & Universities Toolkit
Public and Charter Schools
Currently in Georgia, 116 of 181 school districts and 8 charter school have adopted the 100% Tobacco-Free School Policy, protecting 1,463,970 (including both charter schools and public school districts) students from the dangers and harms of second hand smoke exposure and creating a safe and healthy learning environment. Tobacco-Free School Policy is an evidenced-based strategy for preventing youth tobacco use.
100% Tobacco-Free School Model Policy
Letter to Superintendents and School Board Members
Applying the Tobacco Free Schools (TFS) Policy with Fidelity Cover Letter
Tobacco Free Schools (TFS) Applying The Policy with Fidelity (Training Webinar)
State Board of Education “Resolution” for Tobacco Free Schools
The Workplace
Advocating for a smokefree workplace will help eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, reduce the cost associated with cleaning and maintenance of the property and reduce the risk of fire incident.
Tobacco Use in the Workplace Model Policy
Healthy Georgia Toolkit
Hospitals
Georgia has one hundred and thirty tobacco-free hospitals in Georgia which include ninety-four acute care hospitals, twenty-six critical access hospitals, seven specialty hospitals and three psychiatric/behavioral health hospitals.
Public Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has finalized a new smoke-free policy that all public housing agencies (PHAs). PHAs in every state in the nation have already implemented smoke-free policies within their facilities and on their grounds. Here are some tips to get the job done efficiently and effectively.
Implementing Smoke Free Public Housing
Smoke Free Policy Checklist
Recommended 18 Month Timeline
Information for Residents
Getting Ready to Go Smoke Free
Tobacco-Free Places Signage
No Smoking
No Smoking Beyond This Point
Smoking Permitted
Smoking Permitted: No One Under the Age of 18 Allowed
For more support, visit the Georgia Department Of Health
Smoke Free Georgia Coalition 