“Healthiest Employer” recognition cites HISD’s new wellness centers, preventive care

In 2010, the district opened the first of two HISD Employee Health & Wellness Centers, one at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center and another at Attucks Middle School.

The Houston Independent School District has been named one of the top 25 healthiest employers in Houston, as rated by the Houston Business Journal. Rankings of the top 25 businesses will be announced at the first annual Houston’s Healthiest Employers Symposium on March 1.

“We’re proud to be one of Houston’s healthiest employers,” said Benefits General Manager Brad Bailey, “and we remain committed to providing our employees with access to high-quality wellness programs so they have the very best opportunities to stay healthy and enjoy life.”
 
The “Houston’s Healthiest Employer” award recognizes organizations that are committed to creating a healthy workplace. The award measures wellness programming in six key categories:

1. Culture and Leadership Commitment

2. Foundational Components

3. Strategic Planning

4. Communication and Marketing

5. Programming and Interventions

6. Reporting and Analysis

HISD was recognized by the Houston Business Journal because it consistently leads the way in providing a broad range of innovative health and wellness benefits to its employees.

For example, since 2004 HISD has provided free preventive care to employees participating in a qualifying district health plan HISD also has offered free generic drugs to treat chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes for years.

In 2010, the district opened the first of two HISD Employee Health & Wellness Centers, one at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center and another at Attucks Middle School. The clinics are now available at no cost to all employees participating in one of the HISD medical plans, as well as covered dependents age 5 and older.

The district also maintains a dedicated Benefits Outlook website, powered by WebMD, where employees can find tips and resources for maintaining their health and wellness. An easy-to-use online personal health assessment helps identify potential health risks and suggests valuable free services, including a 24/7 nurse line, nutrition specialists, and programs for disease management, stress reduction, smoking cessation, and weight loss.