SOCIAL-WORK AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SMOKE-FREE SOCIETY

This article explores reasons for social work's minimal involvement in the development of programs and policies related to smoking cessation and proposes how social workers can engage in a range of micro, mezzo , and macro activities. The extensive literature on the harmful effect s of smoking is reviewed, and a rationale for social work involvement is presented, namely, that the profession focus on those populations t hat are already vulnerable and among whom smoking rates are rising, in cluding poor people, less-educated people, young women, aboriginal peo ple, and some visible minorities. Whereas other health professions hav e been declarative about their positions on smoking, social work has n ot registered its concern. However, considerable opportunities exist f or counseling individuals offering group education and support service s, developing policies for a smoke-free environment, and influencing g overnment policymakers to promote health.