Florida Hospital Waterman was recognized by the Lake Country Health Department as one of 2007's "Hidden Heroes for Public Health" for their new campus-wide "tobacco-free" policy.
Because Public Health encompasses more than just the County Health Department, officials felt that this was an opportunity to recognize community members and organizations for their dedication and contributions to the health and well-being of the residents in their community.
Florida Hospital Waterman was specifically recognized for instituting a policy that made their working environment, both inside and out, completely tobacco-free. The initiative took months of planning to successfully develop and implement. Throughout the entire process, the hospital has also shared its resources, tools and policy language with other healthcare organizations in the County, to help them establish similar policies.
"Through their leadership, Florida Hospital Waterman has set a benchmark for other public and private organizations in Lake County to reach," said Health Department officials.