Cigna funds $80K wellness programs including diabetes management in local community

The Cheshire School District Board of Education held a business meeting on March 20, 2025, where key discussions centered on health and wellness programs for employees and recent legislative successes regarding funding.

During the meeting, board member Solon highlighted the district's health and wellness initiatives, funded by Cigna at $80,000 annually. This funding is shared between the school board and the town, allowing for collaborative efforts to promote health among employees. Programs include yoga classes, YMCA memberships, and specific diabetes management initiatives. Employees and their dependents can access a pre-diabetes program and a diabetes management program, which ensures they can afford necessary medications to manage their condition effectively.

Additionally, the district benefits from the presence of a health coach, known as Coach Shen, who provides individual sessions and group classes focused on healthy eating. These sessions include engaging activities, such as demonstrations showing the fat content in popular fast foods, aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.

The meeting also touched on the importance of advocacy efforts, with board members discussing their recent lobbying activities that contributed to securing a $40 million grant for excess cost reimbursement to communities. This funding is crucial for supporting educational costs and reflects the impact of active engagement with state legislators.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have led to these health initiatives and funding successes, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy and community involvement in shaping educational resources.