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Why Should My Company Have a Worksite Wellness Program?
- Cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke) kills more New Yorkers than any other condition – that's including all cancers and HIV/AIDS combined.
- In the year 2000, New York spent an estimated $16 billion in medical care and lost productivity due to cardiovascular disease – that's $860 per person.
- New York employers pay an average of $8,000 in annual health insurance premiums to cover each employee – that's $1000 more than the national average.
What Can My Company Do?
Employers can help improve their employees' health and maximize employee performance by taking simple steps to promote a healthier work environment.
How Can St. Vincent's Help?
St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers will help you get started at NO COST to you by:
- Helping you complete Heart Check, a survey designed to assess your worksite's organizational demographics and employee health offerings;
- Providing you with resources to guide you in establishing a worksite wellness committee and creating a simple, ongoing Worksite Wellness Program at your facility;
- Identifying model interventions that target nutrition and physical activity;
- Conducting training sessions on how to implement worksite wellness goals;
- Providing technical support and assistance throughout the process; and
- Awarding mini-grant money for employee programming.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
Your worksite is eligible to participate if:
- It's located in Kings, New York, Queens, or Richmond Counties;
- It employs at least 50 people; and
- Its average staff member is a middle income blue or white collar employee.
What Are a Few Examples of Model Interventions And Heart Healthy Policies?
- Start a company-wide walking club during regular work breaks or before work.
- Require nutritious foods be served at company meetings.
- Stock a minimum of healthy choices in vending machines.
- Offer regular “lunch and learn” health education programs.
This program is made possible by a grant from the Healthy Heart Program of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
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