Press Release
September 25, 2018
Contact: Jen Childress, (515) 422-4498, jen.childress@nationalforum.org
Green Bay Employees Benefiting from Comprehensive Wellness Program Data Suggests
Green Bay, WI – Today, at a Move with the MayorTM event hosted by Green Bay Mayor, Jim Schmitt, John Clymer, Executive Director of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, formally presented a new infographic highlighting the positive impact that building a culture of health has had on City of Green Bay employees.
The infographic, produced by the City of Green Bay and National Forum, demonstrates how regular walking meetings, among other health-promoting activities, have contributed to improved cardiovascular health among city employees–resulting in lower health care costs. According to its data, Green Bay municipal workers have better cardiovascular health metrics the general populations of Wisconsin and the nation.
Since 2014, when he joined the Move with the Mayor™ initiative, Mayor Schmitt, has led the way in expanding Health 1265 – the City of Green Bay’s employee wellness program – transforming it from one focused on raising awareness, to a more comprehensive program incorporating education, screenings, activities and one-on-one coaching supporting the health of employees.
“A healthy work environment makes us more productive and helps us attract highly educated employees. We joined Move with the Mayor to help our employees create an active workday, build a sense of community, and reduce overall healthcare costs,” said Mayor Schmitt.
“Green Bay has a powerful story to tell on the impact of building a culture of health. Our hope is that other mayors see what Mayor Schmitt and Green Bay have done and see the possibilities and positive outcomes that they too can realize, “said John Clymer. “Our aim is that other mayors become inspired to start similar initiatives within their communities. And, that they can start small, by hosting walks and evolve from there.”
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. The National Forum’s Move with the Mayor™ initiative provides mayors with a platform to create and/or strengthen their communities’ culture of health through encouraging physical activity, raising awareness, and supporting heart healthy behaviors. Mayors across the U.S. lead 30-minute walks in their communities to demonstrate that busy people can fit health-improving activities into their daily schedules.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FORUM FOR HEART DISEASE & STROKE PREVENTION
The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention leads and encourages collaborative action to prevent the number one cause of death, cardiovascular disease. More than 90 organizations from public health, health care, industry, government and academia belong to the National Forum. It is a tax-exempt, independent non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.