Implementation of a tobacco-free workplace program at a local mental health authority

Abstract

Tobacco-free workplace policies that incorporate evidence-based practices can increase the reach and effectiveness of tobacco dependence treatment among underserved populations but may be underutilized due to limited knowledge about implementation processes. This paper describes the implementation of a comprehensive tobacco-free workplace program at a behavioral healthcare community center in Texas. The center participated in a tobacco-free workplace program implementation project that provided guidance and resources and allowed center autonomy in implementation. Six employee-based subcommittees guided implementation of program components including consumer and staff surveys, policy development, signage, tobacco use assessments, communication, and nicotine replacement distribution. Timeline development, successes, challenges, lessons learned, and sustainability initiatives are delineated. Concerns about the tobacco-free workplace policy from the center's staff and consumers were gradually replaced by strong support for the initiative. Program success was enabled by consistent support from the center's leadership, publicity of program efforts, and educational campaigns. The center surpassed the program expectations when it adopted a tobacco-free hiring policy, which was not an initial program goal. This center's path to a tobacco-free workplace provides an implementation and sustainability model for other behavioral health community centers and other organizations to become tobacco free.

Developing Tobacco Control Interventions in Permanent Supportive Housing for Formerly Homeless Adults

“…Thus, minimizing barriers to access medications may mitigate withdrawal symptoms that smokers might experience when faced with smoking restrictions. Behavioral health care professionals may be unprepared to counsel smokers on tobacco cessation despite believing that it is their responsibility to do so (Correa-Fernández et al, 2017; Williams et al, 2011). As such, training PSH staff to offer smoking cessation counseling and ensuring access to smoking cessation aids could increase adherence to a smoke-free policy while helping residents quit smoking.…”

“…Using this information and constructs from the SCT such as behavioral capability (knowledge/skills), reinforcements (internal/external reinforcements, social norms), and self-efficacy (Bandura, 1986), we presented a framework for developing a toolkit of strategies to address tobacco use at the individual, organizational, and policy levels. We relied on prior models to address tobacco dependence among smokers with mental illness (Correa-Fernández et al, 2017; Williams et al, 2011) that have integrated clinical treatment, community support, and environmental changes (including smoke-free policies) to help smokers quit.…”

Vaping in the Workplace

“… 18 Most adults do not think it is safe for children to breathe secondhand vapor. 19 , 20 Those who use e-cigarettes tend to perceive less harm from secondhand vaping relative to those who do not. 20 , 21 …”

<b>Risco relacionado ao consumo de tabaco e álcool em homens trabalhadores metalúrgicos/ Risk related to comsumption of tobacco and alcohol in men metalurgical workers<b>

“…Estes dados demonstram a importância de intervenções com vistas à cessação do tabagismo no ambiente de trabalho e na população em geral. Políticas de saúde visando à cessação tabágica do trabalhador resultaria em melhor qualidade de vida dos trabalhadores e, consequentemente, maior retorno para as empresas e o país como um todo (17) .…”