The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii

Member Spotlight - Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii
By: Bryna Stankiewicz
3/23/2009

Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i
Deborah Zysman, Executive Director
1500 South Beretania, Suite 309
Honolulu, HI 96826
946-6851
Deborah@tobaccofreehawaii.org
www.miyb.org

Between a slowing economy and the rising cost of healthcare benefits, businesses are struggling. When allocating benefits dollars, consider how helping employees quit smoking can increase your bottom line.

Annually in Hawaii, smoking costs $336 million in healthcare and $308 million in productivity losses. On average, smokers cost employers 40% more than non-smokers for healthcare benefits and twice as much for drug plans.

A growing number of businesses offer tobacco cessation benefits. Times Supermarket, for instance, offers its employees wellness programs, including smoking cessation services, as part of the concept that good management includes supporting the overall health of employees.

An employer can lower health insurance costs, improve productivity and reduce absenteeism by helping employees quit smoking. The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii has developed a step-by-step guide to help you start. Make your business a healthier place to work. Request the Employers' Toolkit at 946-6851 x 202 or download it online. The Coalition can help you design a tobacco cessation treatment program for your business.

As a resource to small businesses, the Chamber is a logical partner for the Make It Your Business initiative.