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County approves modified workplace wellness program with West Central Health Department
Summary
After hearing a recap of last year's pilot, the board approved Modified Option Two: a county-sponsored one-time lab event plus a per-participant fee for employees who commit to the full year of wellness programming, with monthly lunch-and-learns provided by West Central.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted to continue the county workplace wellness program with West Central District Health Department under the board's Modified Option Two.
West Central Director Megan Trevino reviewed the pilot year: 69 employees completed baseline labs and assessments; 25 employees fully participated in ongoing weekly check-ins and monthly education sessions. Trevino said the program identified several out-of-range lab results, linked participants to primary care, recorded about 134.8 pounds lost among full participants, and produced measurable blood-pressure improvements among participants who completed the program.
To reduce county exposure while preserving the program's value, West Central proposed two modified approaches. Option Two (the one the board approved) calls for a one-time $250 county-paid lab draw event open to employees, plus a $225 per-employee fee for those who commit to the full program (weekly check-ins, monthly lunch-and-learns and a mental-health screening component). West Central recommended the county cover any Medicare-related lab gaps to avoid discouraging participation.
Why it matters: county leaders said the program can lower long-term health costs by catching conditions early, increase employee wellbeing and decrease absenteeism. Several participating employees spoke in favor of monthly education sessions and the accountability the program provides.
Vote and implementation: a commissioner moved to approve Modified Option Two; the board voted in favor by roll call. West Central will schedule the lab event, enroll full participants and begin monthly lunch-and-learn sessions; county staff will track participation and costs.
