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El Mirage approves $23,383 police wellness program including advanced lipid (Lp‑PLA2) testing
Summary
Council approved a one‑year agreement with Sigma Tactical Wellness (Cigna Tactical Wellness) for a wellness program that includes an advanced lipid (Lp‑PLA2) test and related services at a cost not to exceed $23,383; the city budgeted for the program under HR exams and allotted testing for up to 63 officers.
The El Mirage Common Council on Sept. 16 approved an agreement with Sigma Tactical Wellness (branded in the presentation as Cigna Tactical Wellness) for a head‑start wellness program that includes advanced lipid (Lp‑PLA2) testing and individualized medical consultations, at a cost not to exceed $23,383 for the first year.
Police leadership described the Lp‑PLA2 test as a vascular biomarker intended to detect early indicators of cardiovascular risk that traditional screening can miss; presenters said first responders face elevated cardiovascular risk due to chronic stress and irregular sleep. The program package includes phlebotomy on site, a secure participant portal with individualized reports, an online consultation with an advanced practice provider and a de‑identified departmental data report for planning.
Chief Marzaca (presenting) said the city budgeted the program under HR exams and allotted space for up to 63 participating officers; participation is voluntary. "The program enables proactive interventions that reduce on duty health emergencies and long term medical costs," the chief said, describing a prior instance where testing revealed a severe blockage and immediate intervention followed.
Council members asked whether the program would be offered to the fire department; staff said expansion was possible after the initial rollout. Council also discussed whether RICO funds could pay for the testing; the chief reported that, after review, medical services of this type are not clearly eligible under acceptable RICO expenditures and that HR/general fund budgeting was used.
Vice Mayor Parsons moved approval and Council Member Nora McDaniel seconded; the motion carried with council approval recorded. City staff said the program is for one year and that costs will scale with participation.
Councilors characterized the program as a preventive investment that could avert far larger costs associated with on‑duty cardiac events.
