LINCOLN, Neb. – Today, Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced this year’s recipients of the Governor’s Wellness Award.
Twenty-seven Nebraska organizations are being honored this year for offering evidence-based worksite wellness programs. At a recognition event, Gov. Pillen and Nebraska Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Timothy Tesmer congratulated award recipients and highlighted the importance of workplace wellness.
“The Governor’s Wellness Award recognizes employers who have built a culture of wellness in their workplace,” said Gov. Pillen. “An organization’s people are its greatest assets, and it makes good business sense for companies to encourage good nutrition and healthy lifestyles through workplace programs. These programs encourage team members to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.”
“Prioritizing health has many benefits. It strengthens the immune system and reduces stress and the likelihood of developing many chronic diseases. I commend this year’s winners for investing in the physical and mental health of their teammates,” said Dr. Tesmer.
Award-winning initiatives include wellness challenges, wellness plans with goals that have measurable results, as well as programs that reward employees for safety milestones and many other successful efforts.
The Governor’s Wellness Award began in 2008. Since then, more than 500 organizations and companies have been recognized for dedicating resources and time to wellness efforts in the workplace. Each applicant provided information in the areas of leadership, data collection, intervention strategies, policy/environment support, and evaluation of outcomes.
The Governor’s Wellness Award has three categories:
- The Sower Award recognizes workplaces that have established quality wellness programs.
- The Grower Award honors businesses and organizations demonstrating significant improvement in employee health behaviors.
- The Harvester Award recognizes employers that are experiencing documented value and return on investment from their wellness initiatives.
The 2023 Governor’s Wellness Award winners are:
Sower Award winners:
- Boone County Health Center
- Eakes Office Solutions
- Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department
- Loup Basin Public Health Department
- Region 3 Behavioral Health Services
- Remington Seeds LLC
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Vistabeam
Grower Award winners:
- Beatrice Community Hospital (and Health Center)
- Community Hospital (McCook)
- Farmers Mutual of Nebraska
- Inpatient Physician Associates
- KVC Behavioral Healthcare Nebraska, Inc.
- Metropolitan Utilities District
- Panhandle Public Health District
- RDG Planning & Design
- Region 6 Behavioral Health
- Schneider Electric
- Union Bank & Trust
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- York General Hospital
Harvester Award winners:
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
- Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services
- Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
- Columbus Community Hospital
- Duncan Aviation
- Immanuel
Nebraska employers can learn more about the Governor’s Wellness Award online by clicking here. Awards are presented annually and are good for three years at which time reapplication is encouraged.
The Governor’s Wellness Award is sponsored by DHHS and administered by the Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council, part of the Panhandle Public Health District. For employers interested in starting a wellness program, or enhancing an existing one, contact Nicole Berosek at 308-279-3496 or nberosek@pphd.org.
