5/25/17 – The Dodge County Blue Zones Project has announced its first Blue Zone-approved worksite. The Beaver Dam Community Hospital was given the designation for demonstrating a commitment to supporting longer, better lives among employees as well as those they serve. As the primary sponsor of the local Blue Zones Project, the hospital is leading the community-wide, well-being initiative which is designed to make healthy choices easier through sustainable changes to environment, policy, and social networks. Beaver Dam Hospital has implemented a variety of evidence-based best practices that enhance employee well-being, such as forming an employee-led wellness committee. The non-profit health system also offers on-site fitness classes, has designated a quiet space for workers and has distributed fitness trackers to all employees while encouraging them to take two, 15-minute walking breaks each day. Meanwhile, the hospitals cafeteria has undergone a full-scale food service transformation by partnering with Sustainable Kitchens, whose focus is to provide locally-sourced food and cooking “from scratch.” Hospital CEO Kim Miller says they are proud to lead the way toward improving the well-being of the county and says this is just the beginning of their efforts as they look forward to partnering with other worksites throughout the county. A ribbon-cutting celebration will be held at the hospital on Wednesday, June 7 at 4:30pm. Throughout the week, hospital employees will establish a walking group or moais, small groups of individuals who walk together to improve their well-being and build social bonds. The hospital will also host workshops and Tai Chi classes for employees. Currently, 42 communities in nine states have joined the Blue Zones Project.
BDCH Named Blue Zone-Friendly Worksite
