Tobacco addiction is being addressed locally.
“Right now Bourbon County has the 4th worst ranking for tobacco use in the state. Tobacco users cost employers $5, 816 in annual excess cost than non-tobacco users (Berman et al, 2014). What strategies have shown to make the largest impact? Counseling and Medication,” according to Jody Hoener. “Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the Tobacco Cessation Specialist Training, all free spots are filled, but you are still welcome to register to attend and we can invoice you the cost, $950. Other research and resources can be found through the Partners in Quitting Program and KANQUIT!”
“Based on last week’s Workwell KS Workshop on Tobacco Cessation, held at the Empress Event Center, we will see two more worksites implementing tobacco-free policies in addition to Peerless and FSCC. Please let me know if you are interested in making this policy change and we can send you a template and work with you through the process.”
The following is a press release from Hoener.
In 2018, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) conducted a survey to examine the perceptions of Bourbon County community members about the issues of healthy eating, active living, and tobacco cessation.
The survey was a part of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant that was received by the HBCAT in coordination with Mercy Hospital and the City of Fort Scott.
Pathways is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas initiative.
HBCAT thanks the 244 community members who took the time to complete the survey. Here are a few key findings from the survey results.
Tobacco Free Policies: Most survey respondents support tobacco-free policies in local parks, school grounds, and worksites.
Action being taken: Research shows the two most important factors to tobacco cessation is medication and counseling. The HBCAT will work with worksites, local healthcare, schools, and community policy to encourage evidence-based solutions and promote healthy environments.
Finding #2: Almost 80 percent of respondents didn’t think that our community had adequate street lighting for walking at night.
Action being taken: Through our schools, worksites, and community policy pathways we are working to improve access to outdoor recreation. Formal assessments have been completed, and planning is in place to apply for funding to implement strategies at several locations throughout the community to encourage safe non-motorized transportation and physical activity.
Finding #3: Almost 80 percent of respondents are familiar with the U.S. recommendations for adult fruit and vegetable consumption but less than half of them reported meeting those guidelines.
Action being taken: The HBCAT spearheaded the inception of the Bourbon County Food Alliance and that alliance is instrumental in our work, “The Bourbon County Food Alliance is focusing on supporting the Farmers Market and looking for opportunities to increase patrons and vendors,” Robert Uhler, City of Fort Scott Community Development Director.
For more information about the survey or the Pathways initiative, contact: Jody Hoener, (620)215-5725 or at [email protected] Find us on Facebook or Twitter at @Healthybbco 0