2006 Secretary's Innovation in Prevention Award

Under the direction of Aaron M. Hardy, MS, President of Integrated Health & Wellness (IHW - www.ihwsolutions.com), the Washoe County School District was awarded the most innovative wellness program for a large employer in America. The award was presented by Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H., Acting Surgeon General. The Washoe County School District (WCSD) operates 91 schools spread over a county larger than the state of Delaware. The WCSD Wellness Program targets all 8,800 employees, retirees, and spouses covered under the District's health plan. Each year, over the past 13 years, completion of the annual screening form (Good Health Incentive Program) ranges from 93 - 95% of eligible members (~8,800 employees, retirees and spouses). The total annual voluntary program enrollment (7-8 different programs per year) outside the annual screening has steadily increased since 2000. As of June 2006, the totals had reached 21,849. The program's sole purpose is to reward healthy behavior adherence. An annual physical is heavily promoted, as it builds the vital patient-physician relationship and engages members with individuals that can properly diagnose and treat chronic diseases and high risk factors. All members and spouses have a $40 per month contribution into the Wellness Program, which can be reduced to zero by engaging in appropriate health actions each year (related to ideal blood pressure, tobacco use, and body mass index). This "Good Health Incentive Program" is in place to help members help themselves. It is the member's responsibility to complete this program each year and take health actions if needed. Voluntary participation in four to eight week programs that are fun, educate, engage, and empower members throughout the year is the engine that is driving a cultural shift towards health and well-being in the district and returning millions of dollars in savings. Recent research published, Prev Med. 2005 Feb;40(2):131-7, shows a $15.60 ROI for these programs. A 2003 analysis showed that wellness participants were 26% more likely to be in the lowest quartile of healthcare costs. The most recent analysis from 2001 through 2004 indicated a 7% reduction in the average dollar claim and fewer overall claims for wellness participants. The 2005 and 2006 analysis will be completed shortly. A functional internet interface moves the behavior change process from the traditional "one-on-one" to a much more cost effective "one-on-thousands" without difficult and costly administrative barriers. www.washoe.k12.nv.us/wellness

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Google Video | February 22, 2007

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