Table of Contents
Purpose of the Guide
Benefits of a Work Site Health Promotion Program
California Wellness Information Network
Joint Labor/Management Health Benefits Cost Containment Committee
Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
Executive Order
Statewide Wellness Committee
Wellness Model Project - California WorksWell
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DPA WELLNESS PILOT PROJECT -- 1989
In 1989, DPA implemented a one-year pilot wellness program for excluded State employees (i.e. managers, supervisors and confidentials). Over 2,000 employees in eight state departments volunteered to participate in the pilot.
The components of the pilot program included:
- health risk appraisal which provided employees with a computerized analysis of their health if they completed a medical history/lifestyle questionnaire and recommendations for making lifestyle and/or behavioral changes that could reduce or eliminate some of the identified health risk factors;
- health screening--employees were offered blood pressure and cholesterol testing twice during the year at the work site;
- wellness/self care books--each employee was given two wellness books for their individual use;
- wellness newsletter--each participant was given an annual subscription to a wellness newsletter which contained articles on stress reduction, nutrition, exercise, etc.;
- educational materials were distributed to employees throughout the year through seminars, health fairs, fitness walks and other wellness related events.
A survey completed by participants at the conclusion of the pilot had very positive results. Thirty-six percent of the respondents indicated that they were helped by one or more of the wellness components. Over 65% of the respondents indicated that continuation of the program would be beneficial. Additionally, 61 participants reported that they discovered a previously undiagnosed serious medical problem as a result of the program. Based on these favorable results, DPA staff concluded that the program should be extended to all State departments. However, the fiscal condition of the State at that time precluded the implementation of a statewide wellness program.
The absence of a statewide wellness program prompted a "grass roots" effort in a number of state agencies and led to the establishment of the first health promotion programs in state service. Over the years, these departmental programs have experienced varying degrees of success.
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Policy