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October 25, 2005 MFit Employee Wellness Program honored with Health and Human Services award Award honors MFit’s exemplary practices to promote a healthy workplace |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The University of Michigan Health System's MFit Employee Wellness Program is one of just 10 programs in the nation to receive the Innovation in Prevention Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. MFit was honored for its programs aimed at educating, motivating and empowering the UMHS's nearly 18,000 employees to make healthy lifestyle choices.
The award was created as part of President Bush's HealthierUS initiative and HHS's continuing focus on preventing chronic disease and improving Americans' lives. It highlights businesses and organizations that are leading efforts to promote healthier lifestyles. MFit has served the health and well-being of UMHS employees since 1992. An expertly trained staff helps employees in areas such as physical activity, nutrition, weight management, tobacco cessation, alcohol management and stress management. Providing a supportive work culture that fosters employee health, safety and well-being is part of the Health System's strategic direction. In support of that, MFit launched the Healthy Workforce Initiative in 2004, which includes an intensive communications campaign called “Taking Care of Our Own;” the Physical Activity for Life Challenge; a wellness expo featuring famed author and pioneer of aerobics, Kenneth Cooper, M.D., M.P.H.; a healthy eating incentive program; and Ask the Expert, an e-mail-based fitness consultation service for employees. The initiative resulted in a 300 percent increase in participation from the previous year with a total of 6,424 employees enrolled in MFit programs. The Physical Activity for Life Charity Challenge alone had over 2,040 participants and raised over $10,000 for charity. “I'm delighted that the University of Michigan Health System has been recognized for its commitment to the health and well-being of our employees,” says LaVaughn Palma-Davis, senior director of U-M Health & Well-Being Initiatives. “ We believe that promoting a healthy, safe and satisfied workforce contributes not only to individual success but to organizational success as well.” MFit also has created a healthy work environment through the MFit Dining Program, a smoke-free campus, walking trails and bike lockers. New managers at the UMHS receive training on “Protecting and Promoting Employee Health and Well-Being.” More information: MFit Employee Wellness Program: Taking Care of Our Own abstract: MFit's Employee Wellness Program: U-M Health System's Employee Health and Well-Being Services: http://www.med.umich.edu/wellbeing/index.htm The President's HealthierUS Initiative: Fact sheets and other press materials: Contact: Jessica Soulliere Jessica Badger |
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“The University of Michigan Health System s MFit Employee Wellness Program provides an example of how employers can promote healthy practices in the workplace,” says DHHS Secretary Michael Leavitt. “To promote healthier lifestyles, we need more employers to follow the 
