August 10, 2010
By Ashley Hall August 10, 2010 MEDFORD, Ore. - with many businesses looking for ways to cut costs and increase productivity in the current economy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says helping employees quit smoking may be an easy way to accomplish both. According to the CDC, employers can save an estimated $3,400 for each person who quits smoking. Asante Health Systems, which runs Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford and three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass, is part of the 'Freedom from Smoking' program, through the American Lung Association. "We went smoke free in 2007. And since that time we've had about 500 employees that we know of commit to quit tobacco," said Gail Anderson with Asante Work Health... "It's not like as soon as they quit smoking, you're going to see immediate savings. It'll start with a decrease in absenteeism. their focus on the job is going to improve. their quality of life is going to improve. And obviously, you can't put a dollar amount on that. But then, down the road, the health care costs will start decreasing." Asante is reaching out to other businesses and individuals who want to try out the program. For more information visit www.ffsonline.org/
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