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Success Stories FISHBACK FINANCIAL CORPORATION - Brookings, SD
For over a decade, Fishback Financial Corporation has been proactive in employee wellness and health programs. The Healthy Way Program has grown in participants and success in the past few years. The Healthy Way Committee, formed in October 2005, consists of employees from various locations across eastern South Dakota and in Pipestone, MN who promote wellness programs at each branch location. Some of the most recent programs offered through FFC's Healthy Way program include: free flu shots, weight loss programs with private coaching sessions, on-site monthly nutritionist, and fitness reimbursements at wellness centers. In 2005 and 2006, employees also tracked thousands of miles using pedometers through the 10,000 Steps A Day program. Employees team up to participate in the Survivor Challenge during the spring and fall, which awards points for all kinds of healthy activities, from yard work to swimming. Fishback Financial Corporation teams up with Avera McKennan Hospital to provide employees with free annual health risk assessments. After a short check-up (BMI, waist-hip measurements, glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure) employees receive a private counseling session with Avera McKennan staff and optional follow-up consultations. Results from the 2006 health risk assessments show strong improvements when compared to 2005 results. The FFC employee population saw improvements among several major risk factors: excess weight, low aerobic exercise, low HDL cholesterol, and poor nutrition. With a strong employee support base and continued interest in Healthy Way programs, Fishback Financial Corporation is leading the worksite wellness campaign for healthy employees. STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA WELLNESS PROGRAM The State of South Dakota Bureau of Personnel introduced a wellness program, HealthySD.gov, on January 1, 2004 to help health plan members become more physically fit and healthier. The program is available to active employees, retirees under age 65, COBRA participants, and spouses that are covered under the health plan. There are currently 5,028 members registered. Members register on a voluntary basis, and are given access to an online personal diary which allows them to track their successes through the secured website. It is the Bureau of Personnel's intent to provide this wellness program and other disease management programs to help offset health care costs to their self-insured health plan. At the same time, they believe they can also reduce absenteeism, create and maintain a healthy work force, and reduce the amount of leave used due to illness. Data will be collected over time to verify improvement in the health of the population. Current data collected is shown in the table.
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