CARY, NC (04/03/2015) The CEO Roundtable on Cancer proudly recognizes the State of Oklahoma as the first State in the country to earn CEO Cancer Gold StandardTM accreditation, recognizing its efforts to reduce the risk of cancer for its employees and covered family members.
This nonprofit organization of CEOs, founded by former President George H.W. Bush, created the Gold Standard in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), many of its designated cancer centers, and other leading health organizations. The Gold Standard requires employers to evaluate their health benefits and corporate culture and take extensive, concrete actions in five key areas of health and wellness to reduce the risk of cancer in the workplace.
“The State of Oklahoma is leading by example in promoting healthier behavior,” said Christopher A. Viehbacher, chairman of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer. “I hope Oklahoma’s vision and commitment to better health will encourage other employers, both public and private sector, to become Gold Standard accredited.”
To earn Gold Standard accreditation, an employer must establish programs to reduce cancer risk by prohibiting tobacco use and supporting tobacco cessation efforts, further encouraging prevention by promoting physical activity, healthy nutrition and weight management; detecting cancer at its earliest stages; and providing access to quality care, including participation in clinical trials. Today, over four and a half million employees and family members are benefiting from the vision and leadership of 175 employers who have chosen to become Gold Standard accredited.
“Increasing health outcomes in Oklahoma is one of my number one priorities,” said Governor Mary Fallin. “Health affects everything from our quality of life to the state of our economy. If we are going to continue to grow and thrive as a state, we need healthy individuals, healthy families and a healthy workforce. I’m proud that Oklahoma has been recognized by the CEO Roundtable on Cancer for the gains we’ve made and the steps we’ve taken to improve employee health.”
In addition to NCI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 NCI-designated cancer centers and nearly 70 other hospitals have earned Gold Standard accreditation. CEOs from many industries are keenly aware of the life-improving impact they can have on health and controlling healthcare costs when they address cancer and other chronic diseases. Gold Standard employers include: Avis Budget Group, Harvard School of Public Health, Lowe’s, Aetna, State Farm, Hogan Lovells, Dell, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, SAS and many Blue Cross affiliates.
About The CEO Roundtable on Cancer
The CEO Roundtable on Cancer was founded in 2001, when former President George H.W. Bush challenged a group of executives to “do something bold and venturesome about cancer within your own corporate families.” The CEOs responded by creating and encouraging the widespread adoption of the CEO Cancer Gold Standard™ which calls for organizations to evaluate their health benefits and workplace culture and take extensive, concrete actions in five key areas of health and wellness to address cancer in the workplace. For more information on the CEO Cancer Gold Standard and the free web-based accreditation process, please visit www.CancerGoldStandard.org.
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For more information:
CEO Roundtable on Cancer
Therese Martin, Project Manager
P: 919-531-3123