The City of Newnan has been selected by the Georgia Municipal Association to receive one of the Employee Health Promotion & Wellness Incentive Grants awarded statewide to promote worksite programs designed to enhance the health and wellness of city employees and family members. The award amount was $5,000.
Awards are made to members of the GMA – Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System (GMEBS) Life and Health Insurance Fund, underwritten by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, based on City’s commitment to employee health and demonstrated collaboration with other community groups and organizations engaged in health promotion.
As part of the grant process, the City has designated Meg Blubaugh, Human Resources Director, as Health Promotion Leader to develop a workplace health promotion action plan and to attend Local Government Risk Management Service’s (LGRMS) High Impact Health and Wellness Training session.
Wellness programs have a demonstrated track record of improving employee health and quality of life while reducing medical claims and improving workplace morale. The GMA offers wellness services to all member communities through LGRMS, a not-for-profit agency operated jointly with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.
Employees will be offered a confidential health assessment program using a Health Risk Appraisal, with blood pressure screening and health improvement feedback as well as other health education and awareness programs. Cleatus Phillips, City Manager said “We are pleased that GMA recognizes our interest in employee health and in managing health care costs. This grant will help us provide new programs to our staff and their families.”
The GMA – (GMEBS) life and health insurance Fund is available to all Georgia Municipal Association members. Currently, 153 cities, authorities and regional commissions participate in the health plan. All GMEBS Life and Health Insurance Fund members participating in the GMA-GMEBS are eligible to apply for the Health Promotion & Wellness Incentive Grants on an annual basis.
