NS Grant - Application to North Carolina Association of County Commissioners for Wellness Program

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The County Manager, Health Director and Human Resources Director are eager to implement a variety of wellness activities that will result in healthier lives for employees and retirees. Department directors actively support the Wellness Day by volunteering to serve employees and support their staffs' participation on the Health and Wellness Committee and attendance at wellness events and activities (Employee Appreciation/Wellness Day, nutrition and fitness challenges, etc.). Since Orange County currently provides health care at no cost to most retirees (for life), it's hoped that by developing healthier habits as employees, health costs for these individuals as retirees will be reduced. 2. Employee Committees 3. How have employee -based committees with representatives from management and departments been utilized in the planning of this grant project? Employee Committee The Employee Relations Consortium Wellness Committee (WC) represents a cross - section of departments and employees and reflects the diversity of Orange County employees. This WC has been integral to the development of the program plan presented here. The Committee provided key input and feedback on proposed program components, helped select effective incentive options, and provided information on how well the proposed components would be utilized by employees in the departments they represent. The Benefits Manager is the coordinator of the Wellness Committee and has had an active role in grant preparation, as well as participating in the program planning process. Health Department representatives have also played an integral role in the development of this proposal. They have provided guidance and shared their expertise to ensure that the program components proposed are theory- and evidence -based and based on proven strategies to encourage behavior change among Orange County Employees. financial Resources The costs of a wellness program can vary according to the type of activities in the program, whether costs are shared with employees, and what local resources are available. What type of resources is the member willing to dedicate, will adequate funding be available? In -kind time will be donated by the following groups /persons: Human Resources: Benefits Manager (promote health related benefits, provide needed statistics and relevant claims information, develop programs and promote employee wellness activities, average of sixteen hours a month). Health Department: Sr. Health Public Educator (technical assistance and consultation, as time allows), Registered Dietitian (technical assistance and consultation, diabetes self- management program and medical nutritional therapy). Employee Relations Consortium: Committee members (approximately 10 hours a