Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced this year’s recipients of the Governor’s Wellness Award.
There are 23 Nebraska organizations that are being honored for offering evidence-based worksite wellness programs.
“These businesses have all worked to incorporate a culture of health and wellness into their workplaces,” said Gov. Pillen. “The people are an organization’s most significant asset. Encouraging good nutrition, healthy habits, and physical and mental wellness through programs and initiatives pays off in dividends. I applaud this year’s winners for making that investment.”
Over the past year, award recipients have provided a range of services and initiatives, including educational opportunities in budgeting and sleep hygiene, implemented a tobacco-free campus policy to reduce tobacco risk, translated communications and promotions into multiple languages, hosted onsite health coaching and Husker kick-off parties, offered chair massages, introduced financial resources like Dave Ramsey’s Smart Dollar, implemented buddy programs, provided flexible work arrangements, advanced their Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) initiatives, and facilitated connections with a registered dietitian.
The Governor’s Wellness Award began in 2008. This year marks 17 years of recognizing organizations that dedicate time and resources to wellness efforts in the workplace. Each applicant must provide information in the areas of leadership, data collection, intervention strategies, policy/environment support, and evaluation of outcomes.
The Governor’s Wellness Award has four categories:
- The Honorable Mention Award recognizes outstanding contributions to wellness. This award honors the dedication, creativity, and positive impact demonstrated in promoting well-being and health.
- 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 who are experiencing documented value and return on investment from their wellness initiatives.
The 2024 Governor’s Wellness Award winners are:
Honorable Mention:
- Central Nebraska Mental Health
- Guardian Light Family Services
- The Calabria Foundation
Sower Award winners:
- Clarkson College
- Family Service Lincoln
- Garden County Health Services
- Midwest Bank
- Oregon Trail Eye Center, PC
- Pawnee County Memorial Hospital
- Resort Lifestyle Communities
- Zoetis
Grower Award winners:
- Central District Health Department
- Creighton University
- Kawasaki
- MCL Construction
- National Indemnity Company & Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company
- Nemaha County Hospital
- Two Rivers Public Health Department
- Western Nebraska Community College
Harvester Award winners:
- Box Butte General Hospital
- Deloitte LLP
- Methodist Fremont Health
- Union Bank and Trust
Including this year’s winners, 540 total awards have been distributed across the state since the Governor’s Wellness Award program began.
Nebraska employers can learn more about the Governor’s Wellness Award online by visiting the Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council’s website. Awards are presented annually and are good for three years at which time reapplication is encouraged.
The Governor’s Wellness Award is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 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 .
