The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians. According to the County diabetes atlas in 2013 36.3% of adults in Grant County were obese.  Obese individuals are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers.

To combat this in Grant County, the Grant County Family and Consumer Science Program (FCS) program in partnership with the Northern Kentucky Health Department and community organization Fitness for Life Around Grant County (FFLAG) have conducted a work site wellness program for businesses in Grant County.  This work site wellness program provides employers the access, opportunity, support and encouragement needed for employees to actively participate in improving their health.  

This year the Application for Work Site Wellness Award Recognition Program was distributed to 196 businesses across Grant County.  Dana manufacturing and the Ark Encounter, two of Grant County’s largest employers are involved in this program.  19 businesses in total received recognition for their efforts: 3-Silver, 9-Gold and 7-Platinum.

Work sites are evaluated in eight categories: senior management support, wellness coordinator/team, assessment, wellness plan, programming, supportive environment, evaluation, and policy.  Upon receiving their wellness score a member of the wellness committee sit down with the businesses wellness representative to give constructive feedback and give recommendations on improving policy and implementation.  

Since the implementation of the work site wellness program 58.8% of businesses that have joined the program have shown improvement across these 8 areas, making wellness for their employees a priority.