The CEO Roundtable on Cancer  has accredited Georgia Regents Medical Center in Augusta, GA with the CEO Cancer Gold Standard recognizing the hospital's 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, many of its designated cancer centers, and other leading health organizations. The Gold Standard requires companies 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.

"A healthy lifestyle begins with prevention, and certainly those of us in the health care industry should be setting a good example for our patients and families, especially when it comes to cancer," said David S. Hefner, CEO of Georgia Regents Medical Center. "We provide numerous incentives to help employees become tobacco-free and offer several health and wellness opportunities on everything from diet and exercise to screenings and seminars, demonstrating our commitment as a Gold Standard employer."

To earn Gold Standard accreditation, a company must establish programs to reduce cancer risk by discouraging tobacco use; encouraging physical activity; promoting healthy diet and nutrition; detecting cancer at its earliest stages; and providing access to quality care, including participation in clinical trials. Today, over four million employees and family members are benefiting from the vision and leadership of the over 160 employers who have chosen to becomeGold Standard accredited employers.

"I hope the vision and commitment to better health demonstrated by Georgia Regents Medical Center will encourage other employers in Georgia and across all industries and geographies to become Gold Standard accredited." saidChristopher A. Viehbacher, chief executive officer of Sanofi and chairman of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer.