Christmas came a week early for the Alachua County Wellness Works program when it received a state award for its creativity in addressing health issues.
The Florida State Surgeon General Health Innovation, Prevention and Management Award was given to the program Dec. 18 by Florida State Surgeon General Dr. Ana M. Viamonte Ros.
“It was a great honor for us to receive recognition from the state, and I think it’s great that the state is starting to put health awareness into the spotlight,” said Amy Eisenson, wellness coordinator for the program. “It’s great to be a part of that from the beginning and to know that we’re moving in the right direction.”
The program, created about three years ago, promotes health awareness and provides services for Alachua County government employees, as well as their spouses and children.
It serves about 2,300 workers, Eisenson said.
“Wellness programs are a fast-growing trend. People are more focused on helping employees focus on their health because it helps both them and the company overall,” she said. “It’s become a cost-saving method.”
On-site health screenings are provided for conditions including skin cancer and hearing tests, Eisenson said.
The program also offers a variety of classes for employees and their families, including yoga and strength-training classes.
Employees can choose to attend the classes during their breaks, allowing them to exercise during the workday.
“It’s meant to fit into their workday, not add to or take away from it,” she said.
While classes are used more by employees and their spouses than their children, she said the organization is considering developing programs geared toward helping children prepare for their futures and develop good habits while they are young.
Eisenson, who is the only full-time staff member of the wellness program, said the organization is continually trying to develop and improve its services.
“We’re a very young program, but we want to reach as many employees and families as possible,” she said. “We’re constantly planning for the future.”
