University of Iowa
PA-13: Wellness Program

Live Well Initiative: University Human Resources launched the liveWELL initiative in 2006 as part of the University’s commitment to a healthy campus culture. LiveWELL provides free programs in support of health that have a direct impact on individual health improvement, organizational performance and cost management. In 2014, 12477 (73%) faculty and staff participated in the Personal Health Assessment (PHA). Since its inception, program participation has grown tremendously with over 80% of eligible population participating at least one time in the annual survey. A free one-on-one Health Coach Service is also a component of the program. In 2014 survey, 98% participants reported this service as high quality. Each year over 95% of the participants report improvements in health and an overall higher satisfaction in their workplace. University Human Resources also offers a free Employee Assistance Program for faculty, staff, and dependence for emotional well-being support. The University has been designated as a Gold Level Well Workplace by the Wellness Councils of America (2007), a Fit Friendly Workplace by the American Heart Association and a C. Everett Koop National Health Award for its liveWELL employee-wellness program (2015). Integrated Health Home The Integrated Health Home (IHH) is specific to adult members with severe mental illness (SMI) and child members with serious emotional disturbances (SED). The IHH provides incentives for community mental health centers to integrate the care of people with serious and persistent mental disorders with a primary care physician. This integration of services is intended to reduce the effects of medical disorders and diseases through better coordinated behavioral and physical health services, thereby reducing potentially preventable hospitalizations and emergency room visits for this population. Wellness Heroes: Wellness Heroes is a program that recognizes faculty and staff members who are practice healthy behaviors that inspire others in the workplace to be healthier. Programs for Students: Student Health & Wellness department also offers services to support a healthy lifestyle through educational and health promotion services. They also offer one-on-one consultations in the areas such as fitness, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, alcohol and drug use, sexual health in addition to various health workshops and presentations. The University is proud to be a smoke-free campus, one of many University policies that support health and well-being. The program’s positive impact on health risk reduction in the areas of tobacco use, physical inactivity, stress, and nutrition, as well as associated absenteeism and health care costs has been significant. https://studenthealth.uiowa.edu/wellness/

The University of Iowa also supports and participates in the Iowa City Blue Zone project which promotes active living: http://hr.uiowa.edu/livewell/blue-zones-project