On Tuesday, May 7, Rosecrance Health Network announced national recognition as one of the “Healthiest Companies in America.” The award is given by Interactive Health Inc., the leading provider of outcomes-based wellness solutions.
Rosecrance was one of 72 honorees (among 1,600 eligible companies) for health and wellness initiatives in 2012. The “Healthiest Companies in America” award is given to organizations across the nation that attain a company-wide low-health-risk status while achieving high employee participation in their wellness program. The selection process analyzes clinical test results demonstrating improved employee health across an index of key health indicators.
To receive the award, companies must achieve low- to no-risk status for two consecutive years. Of the staff members who needed to improve their health scores from 2011, 70 percent were successful in their efforts, according to 2012 clinical test results. In addition, Rosecrance’s overall Wellness score improved from the previous year.
Joseph W. Furlin, Vice President Business Development for Interactive Health, commended Rosecrance for taking a strategic approach to employees’ health.
“You have a corporate culture that encourages each individual to take responsibility for their own health,” Furlin said in presenting the award. In addition to better health for staff, positive results include fewer insurance claims, he said.
Accepting the award, Rosecrance President/CEO Philip W. Eaton thanked the organization’s Goodwill and Wellness Committee, made up of staff members, for their ongoing efforts to promote healthy lifestyle choices among co-workers.
“I believe in my heart that healthy employees make a healthy company,” Eaton said. “Our Goodwill and Wellness committee has provided great leadership in keeping this issue in front of staff.”
The committee organizes healthy weight loss competitions called the “Biggest Winner,” twice each year and maintains the focus on healthy lifestyles through a weekly “Apple-A-Day” e-newsletter. Staff and their families have access to an Employee Assistance Program for their emotional well-being, and the health insurance plan provides full coverage for annual physicals and age- and gender-specific testing, including mammograms. An insurance premium discount is offered staff members who participate in the wellness program through IHS. In addition, the organization’s main campuses have fitness centers that are open to staff during certain hours each day.
The focus on wellness extends to clients receiving treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders. Therapeutic programming links recovery to healthy lifestyle choices, including a good diet, recreation and fitness. Rosecrance has a nutritionist to ensure that clients in residential programs receive a healthy diet. Clients receive support in smoking cessation programs, as well.