Problem/Objective: Tobacco is responsible for the death of 430,000 Americans each year and costs the nation $75.5 billion smoking-attributable health care expenditures. Nationwide, it is estimated that as a result of smoking, employers lose $92 billion in productivity annually. Research indicates comprehensive worksite policies that restrict tobacco use and provide assistance to tobacco users who are interested in quitting are a sustainable way of reducing tobacco use among employees.

Methods: In 2006 the Hamilton County General Health District provided five $3,000 mini-grants to local businesses to improve their current tobacco policies. Funds could be used for educational materials, cessation programs, signage, nicotine replacement therapy, incentives, etc. The Health District offered technical assistance to these organizations during the process to assist with policy change, survey development, evaluation and other resources. In 2007 three mini-grants were offered to businesses to develop comprehensive 100% tobacco-free campus policies.

Results: A total of 1,088 employees were affected through the successful tobacco policy change process and 59 took advantage of tobacco cessation programs. There was an overall positive response to the policy changes at all five businesses. Results for the 2007 mini-grants will be available in October.

Conclusions: Comprehensive policy change is an effective way for businesses to improve their bottom-line and for public health/non-profit agencies to maximize the use of grant dollars to impact the largest amount of people with systematic change. The Health District had success serving as the tobacco-control resource for the county and could provide guidance for instituting policy change in businesses.