Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Role Model

The 3,500 employees of Eastern (Bangor) Maine Medical Center are role models for other employees in the region. Because of a progressive wellness program that features ongoing CEO support, wellness champions and a staff-led advisory team, the hospital was named 2010 platinum winner of the Wellness Councils of America's Well Workplace award. Key features include greater than 50 percent employee participation in health assessment and culture and needs assessment surveys. These surveys allow the teams to understand the employees' needs and then tailor programs for their interests. Along with CEO leadership and encouragement, the wellness program has created a culture of healthy lifestyles. "We offer incentives to be a good health consumer and incentives to be healthy," says Jill McDonald, vice president of communication and market development for Eastern Maine. For further information, contact McDonald at jmcdonald@emh.org.