Randolph County Commissioners approve expanded Atrium Health contract for wellness clinic

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met on March 10, 2025, to discuss the impressive success of the county's employee wellness center, operated in partnership with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. The clinic, which has been open for just over a year, has seen a remarkable utilization rate of 95%, far exceeding the expected average of 70% for new clinics. This high engagement reflects the clinic's acceptance among employees and their families, with around 150 visits per month.

The wellness center not only provides essential health services but also contributes significantly to employee productivity. By offering on-site pharmacy services and reducing the time employees spend seeking care, the clinic is estimated to save approximately 3,500 hours of work time annually. Additionally, employees have rated their experiences at the clinic highly, achieving a 98% satisfaction rate.

The board highlighted the clinic's role in employee retention and recruitment, noting that it has been cited as the top reason employees choose to work for Randolph County government. The wellness center also generates savings in areas such as workers' compensation and health insurance costs, with an average return on investment of 1.5 to 1 within its first year.

To build on this success, the board is considering an expansion of the clinic's services, including the introduction of biometric screenings for employees and their spouses, which could lead to further cost savings. The proposed budget for the clinic will increase from $409,629 to $617,622 to accommodate additional staff, including a part-time nurse practitioner and a full-time medical assistant.

The meeting concluded with a strong endorsement of the clinic's impact on the community, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare services for county employees and their families. As the board moves forward with the proposed expansion, it aims to continue enhancing the health and well-being of its workforce, ultimately benefiting the entire Randolph County community.