A Model Nicotine-Free Policy (NFP) for Behavioral Health

To create a flexible model NFP for Behavioral Health organizations, STEPP collaborated with grantee/ subject matter experts at the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program (BHWP), CU Anschutz. The policy allows for BH organizations Boards of Directors and service professionals to select policy components based on their circumstances, interests, and readiness. LPHA grantees may have the opportunity to work with not only Behavioral Health organizations but organizations providing shelter and transitional services. Grantees can consider: providing staff training about tobacco use and its impact on behavioral health issues, the role of smoke-free policies on treatment outcomes, conducting resident focus groups to inform their organization, assessing an organization’s resources to screen and refer patients for tobacco treatment, and assist in acquiring NRT through available resources. The Nicotine Free Policy is available on the BHWP website, under Project: Whole Health Innovation. A future construction of the NFP on BHWP’s website will allow organizations to customize their policy, selecting policy features to suit their organization.