SHIP stories
The Statewide Health Improvement Program
(SHIP) works to improve health through better
nutrition, increased physical activity and
decreased commercial tobacco use and exposure.
Across the state, work places are one key area in
which SHIP works to improve health. As of June
2011:
• SHIP has assisted with over 870 worksite
wellness initiatives. These efforts reached over
138,000 employees across the state and set
the stage to reduce obesity and tobacco use,
improve productivity and help contain health
care costs.
Achieving wellness in the
work place
Over 8,000 employees across Rice County are on
the move, making better food choices and reducing
tobacco use. The secret behind their health kick? Rice
County’s Statewide Health Improvement Program
worksite project, Healthy Rice County: Achieving
Wellness in the Workplace.
The program has thus far helped more than 20
worksites in Faribault, Northfield and surrounding
areas to learn about ways to offer healthier foods and
encourage employees to increase activity and reduce
tobacco use.
“Interest in the program began when Rice County
Public Health sent a press release to media outlets
about the new SHIP initiative,” says Natalie Ginter, Rice
County SHIP coordinator. “Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of Minnesota led the recruitment process by mailing
invitation letters and making follow-up phone calls to
top leaders and human resources staff of more than
80 Rice County organizations.”
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/oshii
One example of how this works is State Bank of
Faribault, which has seen a rapid culture shift
following its wellness initiatives. It offered employees
an incentive of reduced health care premiums for
taking certain steps to improve their health. Nearly
all employees became engaged. The incentive
criteria were participation in biometric screenings
(for cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar) and a
health assessment, setting a personal health goal, and
attendance at two talks within a four-part series about
healthy living. The employer also encourages physical
activity through walking and exercise balls and offers
information on healthy nutrition.
***
SHIP is working to make the healthy choice the easy
choice in Minnesota. Find out how at
www.health.state.mn.us/ship