The Steps worksite workgroup is facilitated by Shawn Mickle of Chelan Douglas Health District. This workgroup is comprised of representatives from businesses and organizations in our community that are committed to improving worksite wellness.

The worksite workgroup brings together a diverse group of public and private entities that are interested in improving their return on investment (ROI) through planning and implementing health promotion activities at the worksite. Members share their knowledge, skills and proven practices that have helped them to initiate organizational practice, policy and system changes.

What are some efforts in our community?
Activities in each of Steps focus areas are in various stages of development and implementation, including:

Nutrition/Obesity/Physical Activity

  • 2005 - 2007 Healthiest Business Challenge - This is point based challenge for businesses in small, medium and large and extra large categories to encourage both employers and employees to improve their health while receiving information and resources to implement long term policy and systems changes that support a healthy workforce and increase return on investment (ROI) for employers.
  • Produced and distributed a Healthiest Business Challenge manual that will provide the “how to” for businesses to jumpstart their wellness programs.
  • 2008 Healthiest Business Challenge - This year's challenge begins August 4 and ends November 16th.  Contact Margie at 886-6457 to sign up now!

                      

Asthma/Tobacco

  • Provide local businesses and organizations with sample tobacco policies, educational materials and other resources to encourage reduction of tobacco use at the worksite.
  • Coordinate with the Chelan-Douglas Tobacco Coalition and the Chelan-Douglas Environmental Health Department to provide information and resources in their new business packets.
  • Collaborate with the Chelan-Douglas Tobacco Prevention Coordinator to engage local businesses in the American Cancer Society Employer Initiative pilot.

Diabetes

  • Provide employers with information and educational materials to promote awareness about diabetes through paycheck stuffers, newsletters, and bulletin boards.
  • Collaborate with Gold’s Gym, Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, Columbia Valley Community Health, North Cascades Fitness Center, and Okanogan County Public Health to promote diabetes programs and resources for their employees who have diabetes.

Contact Shawn Mickle at Chelan Douglas Health District at (509) 886-6418 or shawn.mickle@cdhd.wa.gov for more information.