Worksite Wellness Programs for North Carolina Government Employees
An Evidence-Based Practice
This practice has been Archived and is no longer maintained.
Description
In 2008, the North Carolina State Personnel Commission approved the state's first worksite wellness policy, which increased the authority of the state and its agencies and universities to implement evidence-based interventions to prevent and control chronic disease among employees of the state government. The policy specifically aimed to enable workplace changes that would allow employees to increase levels of physical activity, access healthy foods more easily, receive support to quit smoking, and reduce and manage stress.
Under the new policy, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) developed a subsidized worksite weight management pilot program. The program offered 15 weekly classes, and NC DHHS employees received cash rebates and pedometers as incentives to participate in and complete the weight management course.
Under the new policy, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) developed a subsidized worksite weight management pilot program. The program offered 15 weekly classes, and NC DHHS employees received cash rebates and pedometers as incentives to participate in and complete the weight management course.
Goal / Mission
To reduce employee risk of developing chronic health conditions and to contain rising health care costs by establishing worksite wellness programs throughout state government.
Results / Accomplishments
The 138 employees who completed the DHHS worksite weight management program demonstrated statistically significant (p<0.001) improvements in health. The mean weight loss among participants was 6.5 pounds, and 80% lost an average of 8.2 pounds. Six months later, 48% had maintained their lower weight and 33% had even lost additional weight. Additionally, 36% of participants had normal blood pressure after completing the program, compared to only 23% before participating in the program.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Primary Contact
Suzanna Young, MPH
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
2001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2001
919-707-5204
suzanna.young@dhhs.nc.gov
http://www.ncdhhs.gov/index.htm
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
2001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2001
919-707-5204
suzanna.young@dhhs.nc.gov
http://www.ncdhhs.gov/index.htm
Topics
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Wellness & Lifestyle
Health / Wellness & Lifestyle
Organization(s)
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Source
CDC: Preventing Chronic Disease
Date of publication
Mar 2011
Date of implementation
2008
Location
North Carolina
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