Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin maintains status as one of “America’s Healthiest Companies”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact Gerry Steele, media specialist, (414) 266-5420or or (866) 416-1511, gsteele@chw.org
MILWAUKEE (06/25/14) – Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin has maintained its elite status as one of “America’s Healthiest Companies” after being awarded Well Workplace Gold status for the third time. This designation is given by Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), with local affiliate Wellness Council of Wisconsin. The Gold Well Workplace Award recognizes Children’s as one of the nation’s leaders in corporate health for its unparalleled and long-lasting commitment to the health and well-being of its employees.
WELCOA is highly recognized and regarded for its innovative and results-oriented approach to worksite wellness. Children’s worked hard to successfully meet the rigorous standards set by the Well Workplace process, which involved an application submission that invited reviewers from WELCOA to examine the organization’s workplace wellness efforts.
“Not only has Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin created a world-class wellness program, but they have also worked to integrate wellness programming into their vision and mission,” commented Ryan Picarella, President of WELCOA. “Truly, Children’s Hospital is forging new ground in workplace wellness – linking health promotion objectives to business outcomes.”
The importance Children’s places on wellness is evident in the organization’s values. “Our value of Health shapes the comprehensive health and wellness programs we offer our employees and their families,” said Tom Shanahan, vice president of Human Resources, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. “We strive to ensure team members have access to the tools and resources necessary to live healthier, happier lives. Establishing a culture focused on health and wellness also allows us to provide the best and safest care to our patients and their families.”
The organization’s wellness initiatives include a web-based Healthy Rewards program, featuring a variety of health-focused challenges, educational opportunities and nutrition and fitness activities. Participating employees and their spouses or same-gender partners earn wellness credits to qualify for savings on their health insurance premiums. Other wellness initiatives include free health screenings and flu vaccinations, participation in and sponsorship of fitness and nutrition events, and programs to support resilience and emotional health.
Wisconsin organizations that have earned a Well Workplace Award will be recognized for their achievements at an awards dinner on Sept. 24, 2014, in Milwaukee.
About Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is the region’s only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. The hospital, with locations in Milwaukee and Neenah, Wis., is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is ranked No. 4 in the nation by Parents magazine and ranked in all 10 specialty areas in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014-15 Best Children’s Hospitals report. Children’s provides primary care, specialty care, urgent care, emergency care, community health services, foster and adoption services, child and family counseling, child advocacy services and family resource centers. In 2012, Children’s invested more than $117 million in the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. Children’s achieves its mission in part through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations and is proud to be a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.
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