Striving for a well-county designation for Sheboygan

The Sheboygan County Activity and Nutrition Coalition, (SCAN) Committee, has partnered with the Wellness Council of Wisconsin to engage and challenge local businesses to improve the health and well-being of the workforce in Sheboygan County.

The coalition has established a goal to achieve “Sheboygan Well County” designation from the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) by 2020.

According to the Wellness Council of Wisconsin: “WELCOA developed a unique and important worksite health promotion initiative in 1991. Sponsored locally by the Wellness Council of Wisconsin, Well City USA challenges local businesses and community leaders to work together and engage entire communities in improving the health and well-being of their workforces.

Well City USA status is achieved when at least 20 organizations that collectively employ at least 20 percent of a community’s workforce become designated Well Workplaces within a three-year period. Each employer must complete WELCOA’s Well Workplace Award application to document their progress in developing their worksite wellness initiatives.There are three award levels:

Bronze: minimum of 20 employers, at least 20 percent of community's workforce

Silver: minimum of 20 employers, at least 30 percent of community's workforce

Gold: minimum of 20 employers, at least 50 percent of community's workforce

Nationally, only 12 communities have achieved this prestigious honor. Of these, three are in Wisconsin; Milwaukee (Silver Well City 2010), Racine (Bronze Well City 2012), Fox Cities (Bronze Well City 2013). In addition, Wisconsin also has current active projects in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.

The SCAN Committee is engaging in efforts to recruit Sheboygan County businesses to make a commitment to the initiative. A firm commitment from businesses representing 10 percent of the workforce is required in order to submit the preapplication to the Wellness Council of Wisconsin for consideration of the project. SCAN plans to submit the pre-application in November of 2015.

The call to action of area business leaders, is to pledge their support, by making a commitment to the following:

To establish a “Wellness Champion” or wellness team member(s) from their organization to attend Well Workplace University training and complete the WELCOA checklist to secure the tools needed to develop a results oriented workplace wellness program.

To become a corporate member of the Wellness Council of America by joining the Wellness Council of Wisconsin (www.wellnesscouncilwi. org).

To submit an application for national Well Workplace recognition by the end the three-year period beginning with approval of the Sheboygan Well County strategic plan.

The Sheboygan County Chamber has invited Jessica Raddemann, executive director of the Wellness Council of Wisconsin, to speak on the Sheboygan Well County effort at the First Friday Forum lunch at the Elk’s Lodge in Sheboygan on Friday, Feb. 6. Sign up is available on the Sheboygan County Chamber website at www.sheboygan.org.

Additionally, SCAN is planning to host its third annual worksite wellness seminar on April 30. For more information, or to make a pledge visit the Healthy Sheboygan County website, www.healthysheboygancounty.org.


 

Kelly Boeldt is health & wellness account representative at Prevea Health.