The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) received Platinum level recognition from the statewide Healthy Arizona Worksite Program for demonstrating data-driven programming and leveraging cross-sector collaborations to improve the health, well-being and equity of employees and the community. The Platinum level award recognizes organizations making an impact both within and beyond their walls addressing one or more of the many health challenges impacting communities across the state.
“Employee well-being not only impacts organizations, it has a ripple effect that can inspire entire communities to focus on whole-person health,” said Jami Snyder, AHCCCS director. “I am proud of the AHCCCS team for not only being active participants at work, but also sharing and promoting those values in the community.”
The AHCCCS Healthy Living Program for employees, now in its fourth year, encourages fitness and exercise, general nutrition, knowledge and education, community support activities and awareness of whole body health. Scheduled physical activities included mindful meditation, wellness walking groups, weekend hikes, and classes led by employee volunteers. In addition, wellness information such as healthy recipes, mental health resources, physical fitness videos, health fair and screening opportunities, to name a few, were shared through internal communication channels to help employees across the state have access to a wide range of information to improve their health and well-being.
“We have heard from employees that they really want to take better care of their physical and mental health but sometimes find it hard to do so because of their schedules,” said Sky Mills, Chief Human Resources Officer. “The convenience of onsite resources, along with encouragement to participate, makes prioritizing their well-being a bit easier for the more than 1000 employees at AHCCCS.”
The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, a public health initiative offered by the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, recognizes employers that are making efforts to positively affect the health and well-being of their employees, their families and their community by implementing comprehensive worksite wellness strategies.
In surveys, employees indicate the positive impact the Healthy Living Program has made. “The mini health screenings let me know what topics to ask my doctor, while the healthy living fair gives me access to information, not only for me but for my family and friends,” said one AHCCCS employee.
“The pandemic has challenged the team to come up with new and innovative ways to expand health resources to AHCCCS employees,” added Mills. “The use of technology will play a vital role and will also create the opportunity to increase our reach in the community.”
