HomeMy WebLinkAboutWellness Program ProposalTO: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, ERIK KROPP
FROM: RONDA CONNOR, DAVE INBODY
SUBJECT: WELLNESS PROGRAM
DATE: 11116/2011
ATTACHMENT: FIVE ELEMENTS OF A COMPREHENSIVE WORKSITE WELLNESS PROGRAM
On November 1, 2011, Therese Madrigal began working ten hours a week as the Deschutes County
Wellness Coordinator. Therese is also currently working 24 hours a week in the Health Services
Department as the Healthy Communities Coordinator.
The Wellness Coordinator position is critical to the health of those enrolled in the Health Benefit Plan.
Therese will serve as a resource and guide for those interested in receiving direction in their area of
interest in health improvement. Therese will also assess the needs of our general population, develop
programs and additional resources tailored to our needs, and encourage use of the Deschutes Onsite
Clinic and pharmacy. Please see attached document titled "Five Elements of a Comprehensive Worksite
Wellness Program" for a framework of the wellness program.
Coinciding with the opening of our onsite pharmacy, Therese will have an office and resource area
located adjacent to the DOC and the onsite pharmacy. Therese will keep regular hours in that location.
A critical component of improving the health of our population is the annual Health Risk Appraisals
(HRA). HRAs were performed in January of 2011 with approximately 400 of our 2800 health benefit
enrollees taking the assessment. EBAC voted unanimously to recommend to the BOCC that a health
benefits premium holiday be provided as an incentive for employees participating in the HRA to be
conducted in 2012. The $65 incentive is expected to increase participation in the HRA.
In addition to the opening of the onsite pharmacy in the spring of 2012, approximately 400 sq. ft. of
space has been carved out to create a work-out room with changing areas and a shower for use by
employees and dependents. An intergovernmental agreement is being pursued with Bend Parks and
Recreation to provide qualified instructors for classes in that space.
Currently, $100,000 has been budgeted in FY 2012 for wellness. In FY 2010 and FY 2011, $100,000
was budgeted each year for wellness however a combined $5,394 was actually spent. Therese is ready to
take serious steps forward in addressing the County's wellness needs. Wellness is a critical component
in addressing the long-term financial health of the County's health benefit plan. The ongomg
development of wellness opportunities for health plan enrollees can address this critical need.