dakota communities goes tobacco free in 2012

Dakota Communities is committed to wellness, nurturing and supporting the health of mind, body and spirit. It is our mission to set the standard for and demonstrate healthy lifestyles for the community we serve. Allowing the use of tobacco products on company property or during working hours is not in line with and does not support our organizational health and wellness initiatives. Smoking, tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke have been found to pose definite health hazards including an increased risk of heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, cancers and respiratory diseases.

Begining March 1, 2012, in an effort to support our mission of health enhancement, Dakota Communities prohibits any and all tobacco use on any company property and grounds. In addition, smoking and use of tobacco products will not be permitted during any scheduled work hours, which means that employees will be prohibited from smoking or using tobacco products even during their breaks or meal periods, and even if those breaks or meal periods are taken in their cars or off-site.

This policy will extend to all Dakota Communities employees including Advocates providing care in peoples' homes or Dakota Communities homes, all Program Coordinators, Program Directors and O'Neill office employees. The smoking and tobacco prohibition will include volunteers, vendors and family members when they are on Dakota Communities property or participating in Dakota Communities events.