Sarasota, Fla.- People spend more time at work than anywhere else and decisions and habits reinforced in a healthy worksite can transcend into other aspects of life.
One of the best ways that employers can improve the health of their employees is by passing a tobacco free worksite policy. Tobacco free worksites provide benefits to both employees and employers. Tobacco free worksite policies create a safe, healthful worksite, can inspire current smokers to quit, increases awareness of the risks of tobacco use, reduces direct health care costs over the long term, lowers the risk of fires, prolongs life and quality of office equipment, reduces waste and litter, and increases employee morale by convening that the worksite cares about employee health and the environment.
The Healthy Sarasota County Worksite program, which is administered through the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, designates employers who are carrying out health promotion actions endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proven to improve the health and well-being of their employees, a major component being tobacco control.
Nineteen worksites in Sarasota County have been awarded the Healthy Sarasota County Worksite designation, many of which have tobacco free worksite policies.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a designated worksite who was part of a coalition of hospitals and health departments from Sarasota, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties that established tobacco-free campuses in 2007. “Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death in our nation and carries serious health risks for both the tobacco user and those exposed to second-hand smoke,” Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder said. “As a health system in the business of providing medical care, and Sarasota County’s largest employer, we have an added responsibility to set an example for and protect the community we serve.”
Through the Healthy Sarasota County Worksite Initiative, no-cost wellness consultations and resources are provided. If interested in becoming a Healthy Sarasota County Worksite or passing a tobacco free worksite policy, more information and an application can be found at www.HealthySarasota.com.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
For more information, visit www.sarasotahealth.org or call 941-861-2900.