Tracy Bay, co-chair of the Lee County wellness committee, presented the committee's Jan. 6 report to the Finance Committee, outlining recent drives, funding and biometric findings that will shape 2026 programming.

Tracy said the wellness account balance was $44,533.39 and the committee expects a prior-request wellness funds award totaling $62,400 to be available for 2026 activities. She listed the committee's top biometric findings: "58 percent of participants have an abnormal LDL cholesterol," "76 percent of participants have an abnormal BMI," "40 percent have an abnormal glucose rate," "24 percent abnormal A1c," "66 percent with an abnormal systolic blood pressure," and "41 percent have metabolic syndrome." The committee plans a February walking challenge (Feb. 128) to encourage activity during Heart Health Month and will run three to four lunch-and-learn sessions in 2026.

The committee also approved small equipment requests and employee incentives: a $100 Tango Rewards gift card incentive tied to biometrics, an employee-activity ticket system with a year-end drawing for two winners to receive one month's insurance credit, and several department equipment requests (desk converters, air purifiers, an under-desk elliptical) that were approved. Tracy said the wellness-fund requests for 2025 totaled $253.18 to date, leaving $1,746.82 of the committee's $2,000 discretionary allocation for the year.

Committee members praised the engagement and noted potential benefits for employee retention and morale. The wellness committee will send a follow-up email with details and a survey to solicit additional staff input.