Smoking ban starts at public housing

Starting July 1, smoking will be banned at city public housing units, its community centers and parking areas.

The board of commissioners of the Housing Authority of Kansas City approved the ban last month.

The authority is among the largest landlords in the city and owns and manages 1,925 public housing apartments or single-family homes.

The rate of smoking among its residents is about 45 percent, which is more than double the national average.

The Mid-America Regional Council announced the smoking ban in a Wednesday press release.

Also from the release:

The goal is to improve the health and safety of the residents of public housing. Many are older with disabilities and they and children are the most affected by second-hand smoke.

“Approximately 55 percent of HAKC public housing residents are non-smokers, and their interests and health deserve consideration.”

According to the press release, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been encouraging smoke-free public housing since 2009.

More than 250 other housing agencies have already started smoke-free policies.

The Kansas City authority will offer cessation services, source materials on quitting and resident follow-up meetings.