The American Heart Association (AHA) has awarded Southern Adventist University the Gold Level Workforce Well-Being Scorecard for 2023. The designation measures multiple areas of employee physiology and was created to help employers determine the health of employees in balance with the progress of an organization.

“This honor speaks to Southern’s administration and the Board of Trustees who fund our Employee Wellness program to encourage both faculty and staff to live healthier lives,” says Judy Sloan, PhD, dean of the School of Health and Kinesiology. “Expenses are fully covered for employees to have blood work and health assessments onsite; otherwise, many likely would not do it on their own.”

The university offers incentives to motivate both employees and their spouses, such as prizes for completing a variety of wellness challenges. Simply completing the health assessment at the beginning of the school year makes each eligible for a $25 gift card to the campus’ Village Market, a popular vegetarian and natural foods store in the Chattanooga area.

Sloan feels strongly that encouragement pays off. “Our leadership believes in the importance of health and wellness and is committed to partnering with employees to ensure positive lifestyles and the resulting benefits, including longevity.”

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