Surry County employees on a serious health kick

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2004 Outstanding County Program Award winners

Surry County has developed a healthy interest in its employees.

When an employee assessment survey conducted in May 2004 revealed that less than 7 percent of county employees were active for at least 20 minutes five or more times per week, the county decided to challenge employees to “step it up” from the 3,000 to 6,000 daily steps taken by the average employee.

And step it up they did.

With a goal of 10,000 steps a day, 483 of the county’s 676 employees – more than 70 percent – participated in the “Step It Up” fitness and wellness campaign.

The county’s Wellness Committee used a team-based, competitive approach to promote participation in the 10-week program. Committee representatives posed as team captains, and each employee received an $11 pedometer to keep track of his or her progress. Eight of the county’s 18 departments enjoyed a 100 percent participation rate, and news articles even stirred interest from within the community.

Employees who averaged more than 10,000 steps five days per week received special recognition from the Board of County Commissioners, and the winning team was recognized via newsletter and was treated to an awards luncheon by a county commissioner.

Wellness Coordinator Elke Ragland said the walking campaign is just the beginning of a new focus on improving the health and well-being of county employees.

“This is something that we just brainstormed on and wanted to do,” she said.

Part of the program’s success was based on support from County Manager Macon Sammons and other members of upper management, as well as ease of participation for each employee. Collaboration with regional and county partners – such as “Start with Your Heart” (N.C. Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force), the county insurance network and health department – also played a key role.

Phase II of the program began in early 2005 and was met with similar success.

Ragland said one active employee had lost 20 pounds since the “Step It Up” program began. He also learned he was diabetic during an employee health fair.

The Wellness Committee recently kicked off a new six-week program called “Better Your Health University.” Each county department has an assigned “professor” who keeps a grade book for participants as they complete different assignments, such as drinking 64 ounces of water per day.

The county hopes the wellness activities can help decrease insurance costs and absenteeism and increase job satisfaction and productivity.

For more information, contact Ragland at (336) 401-8413 or raglande@co.surry.nc.us.