City earns top worksite health award

Posted 7/14/15

The City of Warwick was recently among close to 80 Rhode Island organizations that were honored by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce for its …

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City earns top worksite health award

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The City of Warwick was recently among close to 80 Rhode Island organizations that were honored by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce for its ongoing efforts to promote employee health and wellness.

The city earned the award in the “Exemplary” category - the highest of the four categories for which an organization can qualify, Mayor Scott Avedisian said in a statement.

The city earned its recognition for a variety of wellness programs, which include a wellness plan and mission statement as well as having printed information available in the workplace. Various health screenings, time off for cancer screenings, CPR and first aid classes, nutrition coaching, smoking cessation, immunization clinics, stress management, an incentive program, and an annual employee wellness fair are among the many programs offered throughout the year.

A Wellness Committee, comprised of people from various municipal departments, meets regularly to assess programs and frequently surveys employees to determine what health and wellness initiatives are of greatest interest to them. Programs are offered based on that input to ensure that they are the most effective and useful in helping employees assure continued good health and to take steps to improve their health outcomes.

“I am proud of the work of our Wellness Committee as well as those employees who have embraced the wellness programs so enthusiastically,” Avedisian said. “Our community wellness nurse, Pat Seltzer, does a fantastic job of leading the city’s efforts and encouraging people to take part in our initiative. I congratulate Pat and the committee for their dedication, which has helped us to earn the highest designation for the first time.”

“We are proud to recognize the City of Warwick for committing to the health of their employees by investing in wellness programming,” said Peter Andruszkiewicz, president and CEO of BCBSRI. “Employers play a critical role in efforts to improve the health of Rhode Islanders and lower healthcare costs. Worksite wellness programs help us attain these goals while also boosting employee performance and creating stronger organizations. We applaud this year’s Worksite Health Award recipients. Each organization is a testament to wellness that works.” 

“The business community plays a critical role in improving the health of Rhode Islanders, and we applaud the City of Warwick for making the commitment to invest in the wellness of their team,” said Laurie White, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. “The city and the other businesses recognized through the Worksite Health Awards set a positive example for the larger business community, and we encourage other companies to follow their lead.”

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  • CameronClueless

    oh really? By Blue Cross Blue Shield? How ironic considering the city of Warwick gave the healthcare bid to them again this year. Gold plated healthcare in Warwick!!! Join the million dollar pension & healthcare club when you retire! Warwick taxpayers just took another huge taxpayer hit to pay for the increased pension and healthcare costs for the city while we continue to get the shaft on services. Keep lying to the public Mayor!

    Thursday, July 16, 2015 Report this

  • Notbornyesterday

    Blah blah blah Stacia, Sabrina, Cameron Clueless...... Why do you keep changing your screen name but yet keep up the same negative rhetoric?

    Friday, July 17, 2015 Report this