GVSU named one of 'healthiest companies in America'

Grand Valley State University was cited as one of 30 "Healthiest Companies in America" by an employee wellness organization.

Interactive Health Solutions announced the healthiest corporations and cited high employee participation in wellness programs as a common factor that drives down health care costs.

The rankings were based on an aggregate report of participants in the recent Clinical Health Risk Assessment "Know Your Numbers" campaign, administered by IHS in January at Grand Valley. The assessment includes measurements on health indicators such as heart disease, diabetes, smoking and other measures of health status that are partially controlled by individuals. The companies listed by IHS include government entities, insurance groups, banks and school districts. Grand Valley was the only Michigan employer to be listed. For the complete list, visit www.healthiestcompanies.com.

Scott Richardson, Grand Valley's associate vice president for Human Resources, said, "The focus on health and wellness demonstrates the long-term commitment to investing in Grand Valley’s greatest asset, the faculty and staff members who serve our students every day."

Grand Valley offers disease management through a third party carrier, UMR. Through this service, nurses actively outreach and partner with faculty and staff members to successfully manage illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. In addition to disease management, UMR also offers health coaching to assist individuals in setting preventive health goals.

Lindsey DesArmo, health and wellness coordinator, said the university's Health and Wellness team has a strategic plan and vision for Grand Valley to become the healthiest campus in Michigan. DesArmo said the plan not only includes offering nutrition, exercise and stress management programs, but also long-term strategies to manage overall health care costs.