Washoe County School District

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Washoe County School District Employee Wellness
Maximizing Human Capital Lessons Learned v
Real Results October 26, 2006 Aaron M. Hardy, MS
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Washoe County School District
Healthy Behavior Adherence Core of Wellness
We cannot become what we need to be by remaining
what we are. - Max De Pree
Primary Prevention
Chronic Disability
Lifestyle can do more to improve well-being, now
and for years to come, than the best medicines
available. Walter C. Willet, M.D.
Morbidity
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Highlights

• A decade of experience
• Over 80,000 online program participants
• Published ROI 15 per dollar spent (Prev Med.
  2005 Feb 40(2)131-7)
• Self-funded plan 13 million dollar surplus
  no 2006 rate increase
• Constant wellness program enrollment 86
  increase to 22,013
• Incentive Model Secures 300,000 per year from
  non-participants
• CDC reviewed nine wellness programs, including
  WCSD, across the country to establish best
  practices in health promotion.
• 2006 Honorable Mention C. Everett Koop National
  Health Award
• 2006 Secretarys Innovation in Prevention Award

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Lesson 1 A Solid Foundation - HealthierUS

• Physical Activity
• Proper Nutrition
• Preventive Screenings / Annual Physical
• Smart Daily Health Decisions

Real Impact I started your programs when I
started with the district, so my goal is to
maintain the healthy habits year after year.
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Lesson 2 Small and Simple Things

• Information overload dilutes core health
  message
• Complex adult lives maximize 21st century
  technology
• Less is most always more create the catalyst
• Simple behavior adherence programs
• Wellness doesnt need to be fancy, just faithful

Real Impact I have never participated in this
program because I thought it would be one more
stress to deal with during the holidays. What a
surprise it was actually very helpful because it
made me take the time to eat right and that made
me feel better.
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Lesson 3 Build a Connection

• Instant gratification, bodies viewed as objects
• Consequences for poor health choices
• Perceived value of health

Real Impact I think the biggest benefit of the
program is having a goal in mind that requires a
little effort every day to emphasize a healthy
lifestyle.
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Lesson 4 Stay on the High Road

• Adhere to solid foundation
• Avoid involvement with groups or organizations
  that erode the core
• If it isnt for all, it may not be worth your
  time

Real Impact The wellness program is
outstanding. We all know the right thing to do
but the gentle and thought provoking reminders
help us keep our busy lives on track.
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Lesson 5 Start Now and Be Steady

• Most all adults want to be happy and healthy
  create a clear path
• Constant wellness programming be faithful
• Develop a permanent culture of wellness engage
  the masses

Real Impact Thank you, thank you, thank you. I
always look forward to the new programs. They
provide a focus on getting healthy and staying
healthy and promoting a lifestyle of good habits.
Keep it up.
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Lesson 6 That is the Way It Is

• Adults should be expected to engage in
  appropriate health actions
• Good Health Incentive Program - revenue from
  non-participants

Real Impact Thanks for your awesome program.
You save our district lots of money, because I
hardly need to see doctor anymore, besides annual
check up. Keep up the great work. Thanks!
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Other Incentive Models
Blood pressure, tobacco use, BMI, and
cholesterol 40 rebate towards medical
premium Pass all four, 10 cash incentive
Blood pressure, tobacco use, and BMI 80 discount
towards medical premium
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Lesson 7 What Lasts the Longest Matters Most

• Healthy behavior adherence core of wellness
  programs
• Untapped power that drives permanent long-term
  lifestyle changes
• High participation rates the true marker of
  success

Real Impact I love these incentive programs! I
lost 28 pounds in one years time. I am within 5
pounds of my perfect weight. It keeps us all on
the right track.
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Voluntary Program Enrollment
Incentive-driven Behavior Change Programs
Sweat To Health! Common Cents! Holiday Weight
Challenge Healthy Breakfast Club! Fitness
Challenge Scrubadub! A Healthier You! Energize
Your Life! Wellness Adventures Gym Benefit
Program Pay For Success
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Show Me The Money!
Incentive-driven Behavior Change Programs Washoe
County School District

• 15.60 return on investment for every dollar
  spent during 2001 and 2002 through a 20 percent
  reduction in absenteeism (Prev Med.2005 Feb
  40(2)131-7).
• The 2003 data analysis showed that wellness
  participants are 26 percent more likely to be in
  the lowest quartile of healthcare costs.
• The most recent analysis from 2001 through 2004
  indicated a 7 percent reduction in the average
  dollar claim and fewer overall claims for
  wellness participants.
• 2005 Rx analysis in progress

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How To Simple Components of the WCSD

• Secure a dedicated URL wellness effort
  transparent to members
• Produce professional looking invitations mailed
  to home addresses
• Maximize the use of emails
• Form processing for Good Health Incentive
  Program
• Incentives
• Become a Demo Member of the WCSD Wellness Program

Real Impact These programs are an inspiration
and an excellent way to keep people on the track
to good health. Like earning a gold star!!
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Washoe County School District
Maximizing Human Capital
Wellness is worth our every effort today! Aaron
Hardy, MS Washoe County School District ahardy_at_was
hoe.k12.nv.us www.washoe.k12.nv.us/wellness 775.34
8.3859