NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. – Newton County’s wellness program, Newton Employee Wellness, has been increasing its efforts in the past couple of years to improve employees’ well-being and has now received a boost, thanks to a $3,000 Health and Wellbeing Grant recently awarded by the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). The Health Promotion & Wellbeing Grants are awarded statewide to ACCG members that are undertaking health and wellness initiatives to transform their living and working communities into healthier environments. The grant will go toward funding employee wellness events, classes, and incentives.
The grant will be used to fund wellness programs like the Take A Stand Program. This program uses standing desks to create a healthier lifestyle for Newton County employees who work desk jobs, like Joy Honeycutt. “Standing for extended time periods throughout the day has helped by giving me more energy and increasing my productivity,” said Honeycutt.
The grants are to provide assistance in promoting worksite programs designed to enhance the health and wellness of government employees. A healthier lifestyle for Newton County employees means a more active organization to serve the public’s needs and lower health premiums coming out of taxpayer pockets.
As part of the grant process, the member designates a Health Promotion Champion to develop a workplace health promotion action plan and to attend the Health Promotion Champion training class offered by Local Government Risk Management Services (LGRMS). Newton County has chosen Kaitlyn Brand, the Benefits & Wellness Specialist, to head the action plan and attend these trainings. In addition, employees will be offered a confidential health assessment program using a Health Risk Appraisal, with blood pressure screening and health improvement feedback at their upcoming Wellness Fair in June.
"A successful wellness program is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, which helps to
control healthcare costs and contribute to a happier, more productive workforce", said Douglas County Commissioner and President of the ACCG - GHBP Board of Directors, Michael Mulcare.'Wellness programs greatly benefit employees, their families and the employer – everyone benefits."
ACCG offers wellness services to all members through LGRMS, a not-for-profit agency operated jointly with the Georgia Municipal Association. Newton County is pleased to partner with ACCG and combine our services to provide employees the best in wellness initiatives.
For more information about Newton County, please visit www.ncboc.com, like Newton County, Ga on Facebook or follow @NewtonCounty on Twitter.
