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Banner Health News Center  
Employee Wellness programs win Gold
 

LOVELAND, Colo. (April 11, 2008) - McKee Medical Center in Loveland and North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley have been listed among America’s Healthiest Companies by the Wellness Councils of America.

McKee Health and Wellness Coordinator January Windell and NCMC Wellness specialist Bethany Wiley, who are members of Banner Health's Echo employee wellness program, spent much of 2007 compiling information, surveys and statistics to apply for the honor.

In previous years, the hospitals earned the Bronze award. This year they were both awarded Gold. The Gold standard recognizes companies that have developed comprehensive wellness programs that produce results. These programs are a strategic and integral part of the business. The only higher level is a platinum award.

Wellness Councils of America, also known as WELCOA, was founded in 1987 as a national, nonprofit membership organization to promote healthier lifestyles – especially through worksite health initiatives. In 2006, WELCOA presented 58 awards and determined that the wellness programs of the recipients impacted 432,553 lives.

Companies that provide wellness programs experience many benefits. Bethany said some of these benefits include fewer sick days and short-term disability claims, less stress, higher productivity and better retention of employees.

McKee and NCMC joined forces in their employee wellness program. January said collaboration of their programs and sharing ideas, allowed them to focus on strengthening the most successful programs which include:

  • Employee massages: Employees at both hospitals sign up for nearly 150 low-cost massages each week. 
  • Annual health risk assessments and blood screening: This year, employee wellness offers free biometric testing to more accurately review each person’s health. More than 1,000 employees are taking part in the blood screening and biometrics testing this spring. 
  • Yoga: Classes are offered on site at McKee and NCMC. 
  • Tobacco cessation: Both hospitals are smoke free, and employee wellness has provided cessation education and resources for employees.