PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Carcieri has put out a call for entries for his 2009 wellness innovation awards.

Developed in 2007, the awards program recognizes creative ways that businesses and other organizations promote healthy lifestyles for their employees and clients.

This year's awards will honor programs and policies focusing on the following areas: tobacco control, seatbelt use, healthy weight, physical activity and nutrition. Past winners have included organizations that established employee fitness and dieting programs.

"Rhode Island has been a leader in wellness, and this program recognizes the creative ways that a growing number of organizations are helping their employees, students, customers, or members develop healthier lifestyles," Carcieri said in a statement. "That is especially important now that so many organizations are challenged with limited budgets, but have a need to promote health habits that can help lower healthcare costs."

In 2007, Rhode Island was recognized as the first "Well State" in the country by Wellness Councils of America,

Applications and a list of previous winners are available at the governor's Web site. The application deadline is Aug. 31. For more information contact Cheryl Martone at cmartone@gov.state.ri.us.