TOBACCOFREE/STATE LAUNCHES VOLUNTARY SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE INITIATIVE
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health (DOH) and the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) will announce the launch the of the “2009 Voluntary Smoke-Free Central Campus Initiative” with a joint press conference on September 30. As a result, the DOH and AHCA central campus locations in Tallahassee will be voluntary smoke-free workplaces to help employees quit and to reduce the hazards of second-hand smoke.
“We want to lead by example,” said Holly Benson, Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, “We know that tobacco-related illnesses are preventable, and we have embraced efforts to reduce smoking and improve wellness at our Agency. This is another important step toward reaching our goal of a healthy, smoke-free workforce.”
“DOH encourages all employees, and all Floridians, to be personally responsible for their health,” State Surgeon General Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H., said. “Living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent disease and illness, and not using tobacco is an important component.”
The Florida Department of Health reports that the “Voluntary Smoke-Free Campus Project” is intended to benefit smokers by providing an environment that encourages and facilitates quitting, and thereby benefits nonsmokers by eliminating exposure to tobacco smoke at the workplace. Breathing second-hand smoke has immediate harmful effects on the cardiovascular system and has harmful side effects, including increased risk of a heart attack.
“The transition to smoke-free campuses will lead to safer work environments for employees,” said Kim Berfield, DOH Deputy Secretary, who oversees the Division of Health Access and Tobacco. “Because there is no safe level of secondhand smoke, this is an imperative turning point.”
Signs displaying the message “Voluntary Smoke-Free Campus Project” will be posted at each pedestrian DOH and AHCA central office campus entrance.
For more information on Tobacco Free Florida, please visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com
