HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 28, 2018 – High Point University has earned a “Silver” designation from the American Heart Association’s 2018 Workplace Health Achievement. This is the third time in five years the university has been recognized since launching its Employee Wellness Program in 2013.
The American Heart Association recognized HPU for implementing evidence-based approaches to workplace health focused on employee engagement and building a corporate culture of health.
HPU’s Employee Wellness Program is open to all staff and faculty, who can earn points for completing various wellness activities offered on campus. They have access to free annual health screenings, health seminars, an employee 5K run, intramural sports teams and a fitness facility. The program also provides resources to encourage healthy approaches to nutrition, stress, sleep and weight management.
Melissa Marion, employee wellness director at HPU, says that in addition to their physical health, the university supports employees in building their emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and occupational well-being. For example, meditation and gratitude are two of the program’s challenges during the year.
“Employees can choose what areas of wellness they wish to focus on, which builds self-efficacy and gets them engaged with the program,” she says. “We also continue to educate about making healthy food choices and assist employees in establishing relationships with local physicians. Our overall goal is the holistic well-being of our faculty and staff, so they can lead healthy, extraordinary and caring lives as they model wellness for others.”
HPU remains committed to improving the lives of its employees and students as well as the surrounding community. Last year, the university opened a pro bono clinic providing free physical therapy services. HPU’s $120 million Congdon Hall, home of the Congdon School of Health Sciences and Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, also opened. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, prestigious faculty and newly designed curriculum, the schools attract graduate students from across the country preparing for careers as physician assistants, pharmacists, physical therapists and athletic trainers. Throughout their programs, these students serve the community regularly at local nonprofits, over-the-counter medication giveaways, camps for children with limited mobility, programs for schoolchildren, and more.