2021 Health Care Champions Corporate Wellness Program of the Year: Springfield Public Schools

The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education established the district’s wellness department in March 2007 with an eye toward employees’ well-being in areas of finance, physical health, emotional stability and career, intellectual, social and environmental health.

Every school and office in the district has a wellness champion who promotes districtwide challenges and education. Employees participate in such initiatives as a Pink Out to promote breast cancer awareness and a Red Out to promote heart health. There is also an annual Move Your Shoes challenge to promote physical activity.

District wellness coordinator Jeff Rogers notes the district offers a $50 incentive for employees to complete their annual biometric screening, which measures health indicators like blood pressure, weight and cholesterol to alert people of changes to their health.

“Completing the annual screening qualifies our staff to receive reimbursement of monthly membership fees at an approved fitness facility,” Rogers says. “This program is based on attendance in order to promote regular activity, and there is a $500 per year maximum for reimbursement.”

The program also includes financial and retirement programs, fun runs, weight loss programs, wellness coaching and other activities for staff, all coordinated by the site’s wellness champion.

Additionally, the district’s wellness department works with its health services staff to promote annual flu shots, school gardens and CPR/first aid training.

In recognition of these efforts, the district was awarded the Missouri Workplace Wellness Award, receiving gold standard honors.

“This honor is recognizing our efforts in employee wellness as set by the Missouri Council of Activity and Nutrition, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and the University of Missouri Extension,” Rogers says.

Additionally, employees have access to six free counseling sessions through the district’s employee assistance program, and they can access preventative care tools through consultations with Nurse on Call and MD Live, as well as a health care portal that allows them to have a conversation with their provider to schedule appointments, request prescription refills or ask questions.

Rogers says the district has seen an increase in participation in many of the programs it offers. In 2007, 237 employees participated in annual biometric assessments, but now, half of the 3,500 employees do so. Over 800 employees participate in the 30-day Move Your Shoes challenge.

Rogers notes that wellness efforts also are localized for each site in the district.

“Our wellness champions offer different challenges at the site level throughout the year,” he says.

“We often see one of our sites rally around a teacher, student or family struggling with a disease or hard times, and this personal connection will inspire additional involvement with local organizations to create awareness and support.”

According to Rogers, the district’s wellness efforts have a positive impact on rising health care expenditures.

“We meet quarterly with our third-party administrator, health provider network, pharmacy benefit provider and our health care consultants to create strategies for lowering health care costs,” he says.