Coalition aims for smoke-free workplaces
BRADENTON — A local coalition is encouraging Manatee employers to adopt a smoke-free workplace.
The Tobacco-Free Coalition of Manatee County is hosting a seminar Tuesday for employers and human resource professionals that will focus on implementing a smoke-free environment.
“We’re just trying to come together and help people in the county who are interested in getting their workplaces to go tobacco free,” said Lisa Ramirez, program adviser for the Healthy Start Coalition in Manatee County.
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The Tobacco-Free Coalition was founded in January 2008, and the nonprofit organization’s goal is to reduce tobacco use in the county.
The coalition’s seminar at the American Cancer Society in Bradenton will discuss free programs it can offer to those employers interested in going smoke free.
Those programs include free educational classes, presentations regarding changes associated with being smoke free and providing assistance for employees to receive free nicotine replacement therapy.
“We’re trying to get the message out to employers that going smoke free can help in reducing costs to employers and having a healthier workforce in general,” Ramirez said.
One government agency that has already adopted such a policy is Sarasota County.
In May 2008, the county refrained from hiring employees who smoke.
Manatee County, meanwhile, has mandatory and voluntary policies for its employees who smoke.
The county only allows nonsmoking employees to enroll in its Your Choice Program coverage, which is the county’s highest level of coverage and includes additional health benefits such as fitness center access and various wellness programs.
In addition, the county requires smokers to attend a four-week tobacco education course.
On a voluntary basis, Manatee County offers a five-week program that encourages workers to quit smoking and a six- to nine-month program that provides behavioral coaching to those trying to quit.
“These programs encourage a healthy lifestyle not just with getting and staying tobacco free, but it really helps people make appropriate behavior changes to be healthier,” said Julie Wilson, special programs coordinator for Manatee County.
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