ANCHORAGE, AK - The National Business Group on Health, a non-profit association of large U.S. employers, has honored Providence Health & Services Alaska for its commitment and dedication to promoting a healthy workplace and encouraging its workers and families to support and maintain healthy lifestyles.
Providence was among 66 U.S. employers that received the 2012 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles award at the Leadership Summit sponsored by the National Business Group on Health's Institute on Innovation in Workforce Well-being. Providence received a Gold Award for its Health Management Services, which integrates all the services needed to fully manage the health of its employee population. This marks the first year Providence has received an award.
"As Alaska's largest private employer and health care provider, we have a responsibility to not only provide the best care possible for the communities we serve but also to create an atmosphere that promotes health and wellness for our employees," said Bruce Lamoureux, chief executive, Providence Health & Services Alaska. "We aspire to be both a leader in health care and a leader in health."
Providence's Health Management Services provides services directly to employees, such as health coaching, tobacco cessation and fitness programs, as well as assists in the development of the overarching vision and organizational direction to cultivate employee health and well-being.
Helen Darling, President and CEO of the National Business Group on Health, commented: "We are very pleased to recognize Providence for its ongoing commitment to providing lifestyle improvement programs that encourage healthy lifestyles for their employees. Providence Health & Services Alaska and its management team should be proud for their dedication and recognizing the importance of promoting and maintaining a healthy workforce. We congratulate them on receiving this award."
Winners of the "Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles" awards were honored in one of two categories: Platinum, for established "healthy weight, healthy lifestyles" programs with measurable success and documented outcomes; or Gold, for creating cultural and environmental changes that support employees who are committed to long-term behavior changes.
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Providence Health & Services Alaska is part of Providence Health & Services, a not-for-profit network of hospitals, care centers, health plans, physicians, clinics, home health services, affiliated services and educational facilities. For more information about Providence, visit: alaska.providence.org.
About the National Business Group on Health
The National Business Group on Health is the nation's only non-profit, membership organization of large employers devoted exclusively to finding innovative and forward-thinking solutions to their most important health care and related benefits issues and to being the voice for large employers on national health care issues. The Business Group, whose 345 members include 64 of the Fortune 100, identifies, develops and shares best practices in health benefits, disability, health and productivity, related paid time off and work/life balance issues. Business Group members provide health coverage for more than 55 million U.S. workers, retirees and their families. For more information, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org<http://www.businessgrouphealth.org>.
Press release from Providence Alaska Medical Center