© 2024 WFSU Public Media
WFSU News · Tallahassee · Panama City · Thomasville
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Tobacco Free Florida, Workforce Board Partner To Help Unemployed Floridians Who Smoke

Florida Department of Health's youtube channel

Tobacco Free Florida is partnering with a state workforce board to help unemployed Floridians who smoke have a better chance at employment.

Back in August, the Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida launched its “Quit Your Way” campaign. The goal is to expand the tools smokers can use to quit smoking. Now, Tobacco Free Florida is working with CareerSource Florida to help tobacco users looking for work not only quit, but become more employable as well—as explained in this video.

“Finding a job can be challenging, but you may be facing one barrier that you didn’t know was there: your smoking status. In Florida, a growing number of employers will not hire tobacco users. This makes quitting not only great for your health, but essential for getting a job. Quitting may be hard, but getting help is easy. Speak to a CareerSource Florida team member today, and learn how CareerSource Florida and Tobacco Free Florida provide free quitting assistance. Quit Your Way. No judgment. Just help.”

According to Tobacco Free Florida, employees who smoke can cost businesses thousands of dollars—due in part to increased health care costs—compared to non-smoking employees.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.