Some coffee drinks , fruit drinks that aren't 100 percent juice, even Coke will be a thing of the past at all ProMedica campuses. Health leaders are eliminating drinks with high fructose corn syrup, sugar and sucrose from the menu.
"In terms of us having them in our cafeterias, coffee shops, things like that...we felt it was wise not to," says Nathan Drendel, a dietitian with ProMedica Wellness.
That includes regular pop , energy and sports drinks, and sweetened tea and coffee drinks. They're hoping healthier choices like milk, and water will grow in popularity . Diet sodas will still be available.
"Since our mission is to improve your health and well being, we want to be the leader in this arena in making people aware that sugar laden beverages are hazards to your health," says ProMedica Wellness co-director, Mike Liskai.
Reaction to the news is mixed from local residents.
"They want the nurses and the staff to be healthier, with the no smoking and everything so it kind of goes along with that," says Paige Rone.
"I think it's kind of silly," says Scott Franklin. "I think the sweeteners that they put in the diet sodas are worse for you than sugar is."
Patients who have a medical reason for sugar sweetened drinks will still have access to them. But ProMedica leaders say it's about standing behind their message, even if it's the unpopular thing to do.
"If we're not going to be the leaders in this arena, then who will?" says Mike Liskai.
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