The Baltimore City Health Department recently awarded Sinai Hospital a gold label honor as part of its new Workplace Wellness designation. The city program was created to help companies provide the healthiest workplaces possible for their employees by highlighting successes and identifying challenges.
“Health is not about the absence of disease, it is about wellness and life balance,” says Miriam Alexander, M.D., medical director of LifeBridge Health’s employee health. “Sinai Hospital’s goal is always to build a culture that promotes a healthy work environment.”
To receive this designation, Sinai completed a survey that included topics such as tobacco usage, nutrition, emotional health and weight management. Then the new online tracker analyzed the data which showed Sinai Hospital is creating an environment promoting workplace wellness for their employees and community.
Among Sinai’s strategies to encourage employees to make better decisions are vending machines around campus that stock healthier options so employees can easily make smart nutritional choices. There are also many group classes to help employees control their weight and live a well-balanced life with LifeBridge Health Coach, Mary Jo Kozel, offering her time on select days for her “Lunch ‘n’ Learn” sessions. During those manageable 30 minute sessions, the health coach gives seminars on nutrition while getting employees on their feet at the walk and talk meetings. Additionally, the hospital’s smoke-free campus helps the organization create a healthier community.
When it comes to health, Sinai recognizes that one size doesn’t fit all so it offers a wellness program to educate individual employees about their own health needs. Participants also earn points that can be used towards discounted health insurance. Other benefits include free clinical screenings for mental and behavioral health, nutritional information, counseling, addiction prevention, and LifeBridge Health & Fitness gym discounts.
Baltimore City Health Department only awarded six other gold, two silver and one bronze designation to Baltimore companies and organizations in its inaugural effort. The online tool can be accessed at http://health.baltimorecity.gov/workplace-wellness.
The mission of Sinai and LifeBridge Health is to improve the health of the individuals in the communities they serve. As one of the largest and most comprehensive health providers in Maryland, LifeBridge also includes Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, and other related subsidiaries and affiliates.
