A request for a blood pressure screening event for employees at a Detroit bus terminal resulted in a yearlong health promotion initiative. The 300 plus person worksite had experienced myocardial infarctions, strokes, multiple cancer cases, diabetes, an increase in STDs, and numerous stress related disorders in the previous 12 months. Any one of these factors alone would support a worksite based intervention. The average employee was 35-50 years old, predominantly African American, equally male or female, a busdriver and insured. Assessment through individual interviews lead to a health behavior questionnaire and assisted with program planning. Highlighted during the assessment was the lack of access or utilization of health promotion/disease prevention services. The decision was made to provide six events and the Employee Assistance Committee assumed a leadership role in facilitating the implementation of this program. Two health screenings providing blood pressure, glucose and total lipid profiles were scheduled for February and December to provide pre/post result comparison. Over 150 employees were screened each time and results support the positive impact. Detroit Medical Center employees provided workshops tailored to the assessment questionnaire on individual health behaviors inherent in the job that could be modified. The four main workshops were stress management, nutrition, exercise/ergonomics, and substance abuse. Each workshop had attendance of an average of 50 employees. Personal post program evaluations and conversations revealed behavioral changes in the areas of nutrition and methods of stress reduction. Presented with be a report evaluating the program, sustainable initiatives, and opportunities for broader implementation.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Health Promotion, Worksite
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Detroit Medical Center
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.