Business

The Facts

	The State of Maine has the highest adult smoking rate in the country.
	Tobacco related health problems cost employers well over 1.5 billion annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity.
	Smoking related illnesses account for more lost work–time than any other preventable disorder.
	The Environmental Protective Agency published a report estimating that 4-8 billion dollars is spent nationwide each year on maintenance and housekeeping expenses by companies who allow smoking on their grounds.
	Current research has shown that at least 70% of tobacco users would like to quit and that the workplace environment can have a strong impact on their success.

Benefits in addressing Tobacco Use

The potential benefits for your business in addressing tobacco addiction are considerable and require little time and cost to you. Some of the most basic benefits include:

	healthier, more productive employees
	decreased maintenance and insurance costs
	a cleaner environment for both personal and customers
	the satisfaction that you have helped to increase the life span of someone who may not have been able to quit on their own

The next step:

Review your current tobacco policies
Look at the number of employees who smoke (even one is too many!) or the smoking environment around your business
Consider the benefits of having tobacco-free employees.

What are we Offering?

This new program will improve your productivity, decrease your costs, and assure healthier workers by motivating your employees to quit tobacco use.

We offer FREE Services in:

	Aiding in evaluation and development of more supportive company policy regarding tobacco cessation and appropriate use on grounds
	Providing resource information on the dangers of tobacco for all employees
	Providing education and encouragement through requested information, classes, and support groups for employees who are trying to quit
	Providing information on current treatments and local resources available.

The degree to which your company participates in tobacco education is variable. We can help to develop a program as extensive as creating a smoke-free campus and supplying financial support for cessation treatments, or as simple as hanging posters, flyers, or a presentation at a staff meeting. The degree of your involvement is entirely up to you. Please call us at Health-Link and see how we can benefit your business.

What can we do for Businesses

Any or all:

	Smoke-free Campus/Improved Tobacco Use Policy
	Evaluation of current policies/Designated smoking space, distanced smoking area (i.e. away from doorways, 100 ft from building)

	Implementation of new policies
	Provide Steps and support in creating Smoke-free campus/workplace

Awareness Campaign

	Posters/Brochures
	Newsletters
	Bulletin Board Education
	Staff meetings Presentation
	Sign Posting
	Education Booth
	Staff Inservices

Employee Cessation Support Program

	Treatment Aids supple Information
	Insurance review/Improvement
	Cessation Classes
	Administration Education
	Training for interested staff in Smoking Cessation
	Education on individual topics

Other

	Combine efforts with other businesses - comb. Cessation classes, support group, education booths
	Employee challenges/rewards
	Special Events
	Business recognition in future events

What you may want to do:

	Provide time or after/before work
	Supply financial aid or information on treatments
	Remove smoking from grounds or move smoking further from employees and customers

Contact Information:

Tobacco Education Specialist

Health Educator

Health Link, The Wellness Center

of Maine Coast Memorial Hospital

667-2474