Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

A Big Win For All

A focus on wellness to provide better health and better health care is part of the AHA's Health For Life, a roadmap to improve America's health care system. Kootenai Health, Coeur d-Alene, Idaho, has been recognized by the Wellness Councils of America for its commitment to employee health. The organization offers an employee weight loss campaign, Race To Lose. Modeled on the TV program, Biggest Loser, Kootenai?s program offers workshops, seminars and regular weigh ins. In two years of running the program, more than 400 employees have shed thousands of pounds. To sustain the change in lifestyle choices, the organization follows up with employees at the end of the year and awards those who maintain or lose more weight. For more information on Kootenai's program, email Daniel Klocko, vice president of human resources at dklocko@knc.org or visit www.hpoe.org for more examples of hospital wellness programs.