2008 Woodie Awards
Program saves CMU millions
By: Laura Brian
Issue date: 5/13/08 Section: News
Central Michigan University has saved a total of $10 million in health care costs through the Employee Wellness Program, said Tammy Griffin, manager of employee health and wellness.
The program has been saving the university money since 1999, she said.
"This group has self-funded medical plans which are greatly impacted by the health statues of the members," Griffin said.
The Employee Wellness Program provide free programs for staff and faculty for overall health.
"Employees can sign up, log hours of physical activity and healthy ways of living and be eligible for prizes," said Sarah Yonder, physician of University Health Services.
Participants can earn from $110 to $120 by completing programs within four areas of wellness, including exercise, wellness, and healthcare components and a health risk assessment.
Last year, 486 awards were issued, Griffin said.
"Over 100 employees are tracking their exercise that we know of," she said.
Griffin said the program offers additional classes such as yoga and Nia that employees can use for a fee.
Yonder said CMU offers employees, faculty and staff access to exercise facilities on campus and many physical activity classes.
"I think these are more resources than most other employees offer," she said.
In February Sen. Thomas George, R-Kalamazoo suggested Michigan universities hire non-smokers to teach in order to save on health care costs.
"I strongly believe this would not work for CMU and is not an approach we would support," Maxine Kent, associate vice president of human resources said.
news@cm-life.com
The program has been saving the university money since 1999, she said.
"This group has self-funded medical plans which are greatly impacted by the health statues of the members," Griffin said.
The Employee Wellness Program provide free programs for staff and faculty for overall health.
"Employees can sign up, log hours of physical activity and healthy ways of living and be eligible for prizes," said Sarah Yonder, physician of University Health Services.
Participants can earn from $110 to $120 by completing programs within four areas of wellness, including exercise, wellness, and healthcare components and a health risk assessment.
Last year, 486 awards were issued, Griffin said.
"Over 100 employees are tracking their exercise that we know of," she said.
Griffin said the program offers additional classes such as yoga and Nia that employees can use for a fee.
Yonder said CMU offers employees, faculty and staff access to exercise facilities on campus and many physical activity classes.
"I think these are more resources than most other employees offer," she said.
In February Sen. Thomas George, R-Kalamazoo suggested Michigan universities hire non-smokers to teach in order to save on health care costs.
"I strongly believe this would not work for CMU and is not an approach we would support," Maxine Kent, associate vice president of human resources said.
news@cm-life.com
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