Jan. 3, 2012 –   As one of the largest physician groups in Southwest Florida, Millennium Physician Group should be the example when it comes to promoting healthier lifestyles.   And with that in mind, Millennium Physician Group will be a completely Tobacco Free company effective Feb. 1, 2012.

Going completely “Tobacco Free” means that Millennium patients, employees, providers and vendors will longer be allowed to smoke or use tobacco products at any of Millennium’s primary care, walk-in medical center, imaging, lab or business office locations. Additionally, Millennium’s providers and employees will not be able to use tobacco products during their shift, which includes lunch and break periods. 

“With so many health risks associated with tobacco use, all of our team at Millennium should set the example of a healthy work environment, especially in our role as caregivers in our community,” says Geurt Peet, Chief Executive Officer for Millennium Physician Group.  “Our end goal is to create a healthier environment for everyone who works within or visits any of our locations.”

Millennium Physician Group will be joining more than 2,890 U.S. hospitals, health systems and physician offices that have decided to go Tobacco Free on their campuses.  More than 70 other Florida health care organizations have already gone Tobacco Free including: Charlotte Regional Medical Center, Lee Memorial Health System, Physicians Regional, NCH, Physicians Primary Care, Moffitt Cancer Center, Baptist Hospital of Miami, all Orlando area hospitals, Mayo Clinic and Baptist Health in Jacksonville. 

“We are offering various programs to assist with the transition to a Tobacco Free environment,” says Peet. “Our goal is to provide a way for our employees to stop smoking and make this a positive transition for our Providers and Employees.  We’ll also be providing smoking cessation information to our patients so that they may also live a healthier lifestyle.”

Millennium Physician Group has offices from North Port to Naples and all will be completely Tobacco Free on Feb. 1, 2012.