Surveys conducted by the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) at the Northeastern University School of Law show a high demand for smoke-free policies among residents.  PHAI is working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to encourage the voluntary implementation of building-wide smoke free rules in multiunit dwellings. Jack Shipley of the SouthCoast Healthy Housing and Workplace Initiative (SCHHWI) invited Attorney Christopher Banthin to speak to local landlords and property managers at a forum held on March 26, 2017 in the Fall River Government Center Hearing Room. The presentation was part of a two-year SCHHW initiative of Voices for a Healthy SouthCoast that was announced in September, 2012, following the receipt of a$1 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop smoke-free housing and worksites in Fall River, New Bedford and Wareham. Click here for a 57-minute video of the presentation. For more information, contact Alice Rebelo at 508-996-9622, Ext. 20.

(Top row) South Coast Healthy Housing and Worksite Initiative Health Advocate Jack Shipley introduces Attorney Banthin, who conducted a survey of residents that showed a high level of demand for smoke-free housing. (Row two) A local landlord picks up materials before the presentation as SCHHWI staff member Gail Rodrigues and Director Alice Rebelo chat. (Rows three and four) Mr. Banthin goes over the rationale and methods of moving toward smoke-free housing for landlords and property owners and answers their questions.