Northwest Region

Healthy Ohio Business Council

April 22, 2009

Toledo Metroparks – Roche de Boute Shelter

Attendees:  Lisa Ambrosetti, Bev Funkhouser, Gina Veres,  Scott Stanley, Aubrey Whewell, Lindsay Wiemken, Sharon Morr, Helene Szczerba, Cathie Sommer, Amy Mossing, Angela James, Kerry Colley, Kristen Ewers, Dot Downing

Welcome

All were welcomed and thanked for coming to the meeting.  Thank you to Amy Mossing and Angela James and Toledo Metroparks for hosting.

Healthy Ohioans Business Council Executive Meeting Notes: March 17

• Passed around breast feeding/lactation in the workplace information to the group which was provided at the Executive Meeting.
• Group discussed/shared what their worksite policies are, if any, on this subject.
• NW Region volunteered for mentoring workgroup for worksites – tasks as a group are yet TBD at the Executive level.                       

Improving Worksite Environments Draft

A copy of the draft was distributed and reviewed.

Obesity Prevention Plan – How do worksites fit in?

• Worksites can contribute to efforts to prevent obesity without investing a great deal financially. 
• Basic programming to increase awareness and support healthier eating and increased physical activity can be developed/implemented.

Updates from “Addressing Childhood Obesity” Conference

• Employers are aware that the portion of health care costs attributed to children in families is increasing and needs consideration. 
• Information and education geared toward families is needed.
• Aubrey Whewell also noted that Ounce of Prevention materials are free and available at the Health Ohio Web site.  http://www.healthyohioprogram.org/healthylife/nutri2/nutrikids2/ounce.aspx

Update on Healthy Workforce Act

Support for the Health Workforce Act is more important now than ever.  The Bill was re-introduced into the United States Senate on April 2.  To become involved in the “grass roots” effort, go to http://www.healthpromotionadvocates.org

Toledo Metroparks Presentation – Amy Mossing and Angela James

• Approx. 150 employees, partner with Lucas County and Promedica for wellness

Programming

• Absenteeism and turnover rates are low
• Angela presented program overview:
  •             HRA, biometrics screenings, fitness assessment
  •             Tobacco cessation reimbursements
  •             Healthy options in vending machines
  •             Drug policy
  •             Fitness club membership reimbursement (50%)
  •             Covered screenings - prostate, mammogram
  •             Volunteer program –Employees receive pay for community volunteering (part-time 12 hours, full-time employees 24 hours, annually)
  •             Wellness committee – 12 employees from various areas
  •             Incentive programs – 4/year
    
• Amy identified 3 areas for improvement:
  •             Ergonomics
  •             Closer look at worker’s comp, disability claims
  •             Evaluation of worksite wellness programs

Member Updates/Sharing

• STRIDES Walk for Breast Cancer, ACS  –  May 9
• Lucas County Tobacco Prevention Coalition – Deadly in Pink – May 14
• Fulton County – launching new point based incentive wellness program
• Henry County – “Coming Alive” physical activity program supported by United Way

8/6/10