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November
8, 2007
Little Rock --State employees will have access to new incentives to lead healthier lives if they take advantage of the benefits offered in a new program announced today at a news conference held at the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. The program is called the Arkansas Healthy Lifestyle Program (AHELP), and offers rewards and incentives for healthy lifestyle activities that include exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables, and not using tobacco products.
“This effort means not only that our workforce will be healthier—they’ll be more productive, too,” Governor Mike Beebe said. “This is a truly progressive program, and will pay us benefits for years to come in our state.”
Studies have shown that businesses who adopt worksite wellness programs can improve their bottom line by encouraging real health improvement through various kinds of incentives. A pilot program developed and conducted by the former Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) over the last few years has proven to be successful in helping those workers improve their eating habits, and increase their level of physical activity (see attached fact sheet).
According to John Selig, Director of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the program attracted attention in the pilot program over the last few years. “Almost a thousand people have redeemed between one hour and three days in earned time off from work,” Selig said. “That’s not easy to do—it means making some real changes in your lifestyle, but the results show. Employees are in better shape, and feel better for it.”
In 2005, Representative Linda Chesterfield, D—Little Rock, sponsored Act 724 of 2005, a bill to provide an incentive to change the health of Arkansas state employees. The Act provides leave (up to three days per 52 weeks) for those who participate in the Arkansas Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (AHELP), using a point system for healthy behaviors. AHELP is a voluntary, comprehensive, incentive-based program that focuses on three key areas – increasing physical activity, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and decreasing or eliminating use of tobacco products.
“This is a proud day for us in Arkansas. I think that the benefits that are available for our workforce are truly meaningful, and can make a real difference in our quality of life today and for years to come,” Rep. Chesterfield said.
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) took the opportunity to announce its participation as an agency in the new wellness program. "ADEQ is pleased to announced its participation in this worthwhile program and fully supports Governor Beebe's decision to extend to all state agencies the option to sign up for it," said Teresa Marks, ADEQ Director. "The quality of life begins with a clean environment and good health, and we are so proud that our new building and its surroundings, including several biking and hiking trails, already offer ADEQ employees many opportunities to engage in healthy activities. Now our employees who participate in the HELP program can be recognized for their efforts and receive extra annual leave as a reward, in addition to improving their personal health," Marks said.
Worksite wellness programs provide opportunities and encouragement to employees at work, often including financial incentives. Other options include designated time off for exercising, availability of better nutritional choices at vending machines or break rooms, and support for smoking cessation. Discounts on health insurance premiums and other achievement-based bonus programs can also make the difference for workers who find it hard to make better health choices while at work.
Paul Halverson, DrPH, and State Health Director said that the employee and the employer both can benefit from this arrangement. “This is really win-win. The employee gets the benefit of a healthier life style, and the employer gets lower absenteeism and lower insurance costs due to improved health of the workforce. Investing in employee health is a smart business decision,” Halverson said.
For more information contact Helen Weir by email, helen.weir@arkansas.gov or call Jessica Brown at 501-661-2199.
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