HUMAN RESOURCES Healthy Choices BY LESLIE WERSTEIN HANN Using creative solutions—from regional pools to wellness programs and consumerdirected health plans—to manage healthcare costs. www.DistrictAdministrationt.com EMPLOYEES OF THE OTTAWA Area Intermediate School District in southwestern Michigan can check their blood pressure in faculty lounges, attend lunch-and-learn sessions on health topics and get free over-the-counter allergy and heartburn medicines. Their raises depend in part on how well they collectively manage their health care claims costs. In the Palm Beach County School District in Florida, a full-time wellness coordinator organizes activities ranging from a “biggest loser” weight loss competition to on-site mammograms and screenings for osteoporosis and blood pressure. Starting this month, employees with heart-related health risks will be targeted for an 18month Healthy Heart education program to encourage people with heart disease risk to take steps to better health. The program is co-sponsored by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Participants will earn $90 in financial incentives and giveaways each month. When it’s over, Pfizer coordinators will inform the district if participants improved on certain Healthy Heart benchmarks. To encourage employees with diabetes to take part in a disease management program, the Houston Independent School District offers employees incentives, such as a free cell phone that also functions as a pedometer and measures blood sugar. May 2006 47
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - May 2007