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Sarasota News Leader November 15, 2013 Page 70 EMPLOYERS PROMOTING GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT ON NOV. 21 Local business owners are encouraging their staffs to leave their cigarettes and other tobacco products at home during the 2013 Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 21, the Sarasota County Health Department has announced. "Most employers are not aware of the additional costs associated with smokers," says Pascale Edouard, employer cessation specialist with the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, in the release. "A recent report shows that smokers can cost their employers nearly $6,000 more per year than "With support from the Florida Department non-smokers in healthcare costs, absenteeof Health in Sarasota County's Tobacco ism and through lost productivity." Prevention Program, more employers throughout the county are promoting a health- He adds in the release, "Employers are looking ier workforce and environment for their for creative ways to reduce overhead costs; employees by offering cessation services going tobacco-free and providing smokers through their health insurance options and with options to help them quit is a great way creating tobacco-free workplaces," a county to accomplish this task. The benefits don't news release points out. just stop at the employer. Individuals who The 2013 Great American Smokeout will be held nationwide on Nov. 21. Contributed photo