Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, under the leadership of its wellness program, ActionHealth, has received the prestigious Gold Well Workplace Award from the Wellness Councils of America.
One of only 23 companies in the nation to be honored with this award in 2003, the Medical Center was recognized as part of an elite group of “America’s Healthiest Companies.”
The Wellness Councils of America developed the Well Workplace Awards Initiative in 1991 to help organizations improve their employees’ health, consequently reducing unnecessary health care expenditures.
Before receiving the Gold Award this year, the Medical Center received the Bronze Award from 1993-1996, and the Silver Award from 1996-2003.
“Achieving the Gold Well Workplace Award for the Medical Center has been a goal of ActionHealth for many years,” said Bob Parker, vice president for home and community health. “We started with the Bronze Award, progressed to the Silver Award and now have claimed the Gold Award. The bottom line is that we are a workplace that encourages and supports healthier employees and a healthier community.”
ActionHealth implements several programs to improve employee health, including stress management classes, smoking cessation courses and personal wellness profiles.
“ActionHealth assists employees in reducing their risk of illness and disease while simultaneously balancing their lifestyles,” said Lynn Black, manager of wellness. “This translates into a return on investment not only in reduced health care costs and absenteeism, but increased productivity and morale. It becomes a win-win for us all.”
ActionHealth also promotes wellness at area businesses, assisting companies that purchase services to create a supportive environment for healthy behaviors. For more information about these services, contact ActionHealth at (336) 713-8001.
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Media Contacts: Shannon Koontz: (shkoontz@wfubmc.edu) at (336) 716-2415 or Karen Richardson: (krchrdsn@wfubmc.edu) at (336) 716-4453.
Media Relations
Main Number: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587