Congratulations!
The WV Workplace Wellness Conference and Celebrating Healthy West Virginia Awards played host to 84 attendees. Business leaders and community leaders came together for a day of professional development, networking, and resource sharing.
Pictured above are the 2025 Active SWV Wellie Awardees who were recognized for their exceptional Capacity Building Grant projects this past year. From left to right; Craig Bromley with the WV Department of Health, Merinda Strickland with FamilyCare, Tracey Suppa-Todd from HealthNet Aeromedical, Michelle Purdue with Cabell-Huntington Health Department, Laura Powell with Cabell Huntington Health Department, and Kelly Fox the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Director.
Cabell Huntington Health Department (involved with Workplace Wellness through partnership since 2019)
- PSEs – Short for Policy, Systems and Environmental Changes that have been implemented in their workplace from the last grant project consist of:
- Nat’l Walk Day – 30 min walk, end of day (P)
- Employee feedback determine three needs/interests (S)
- Weekly motivational chaplain message (S)
- Creation of an onsite walking trail (S)
- A Mindfulness/Yoga area (E)
Success Reported (in their words)
- Increased employee participation
- Becoming a Mentor for other Health Departments
- Employees report implementing changes at home (e.g. healthy eating from Lunch N Learn)
- Wellness items added to Staff Mtg agendas
- Space created for physical activity
- The Staff report an increased motivation to be physically active (e.g. enjoy taking the stairs)
Healthnet Aeromedical (involved with Workplace Wellness through partnership since 2022)
- PSEs implemented in their workplace from the last grant project
- Increase flexibility with weekly working hours (P)
- Educational programs, challenges for employees and family (S)
- Increased privacy and comfort in lactation area (E)
- Signage for stair usage (E)
- Additional equipment in wellness area (E)
Success reported (in their words)
- Increased participation
- Medical Plan posted lowest cost ratio since program inception
- Mellow, breathing buddy – traveling “team member,” incorporating into corporate culture (e.g. dressing up and sharing pictures of Mellow during meetings/chats
FamilyCare Health Centers (involved with Workplace Wellness through partnership since 2023)
- PSEs
- Reduce Sedentary Behavior (P)
- Offer at least 1 healthy food option at events/lunches (S)
- Offer only sugar-free beverages at meetings/events (S)
- Offer cooking class with education on healthy eating (S)
- Create onsite physical activity area (E)
Success Reported (in their words)
- Employees report excitement regarding usage of wellness area
- Motivational Physical Activity challenges created
- Health Promotion Committee established, monthly meetings
- 2 Cooking demonstrations; employee reported satisfaction
Learn more about the Work@Health training course and the Workplace Wellness Capacity Building Grants.
Presenters Providing Value
Every year the Workplace Wellness Conference aims to bring quality content and resources for attendees. The line up this year was no exception. The following presenters shared valuable information, ideas, and resources with conference attendees:
- Keynote speaker, Dr. Sherri Young, Cabinet Secretary, WV Department of Health
- Eloise Elliot, PhD, Ware Distinguished Professor and Director of the Center for ActiveWV, College of Applied Human Sciences, West Virginia University
- Katie Burnham and Rob Nicewarner from the West Virginia Prevention Research Center.
- Dr. Kristi Dumas (pictured above), Executive Director CASA of New River/Human Rights Commissioner City of Beckley
- Dr. Mandy Wriston, Appalachian Queen Consulting
- Lakin Davis and Ryan Sommerkorn with the Office of Health Services Research, School of Public Health West Virginia University.
“I really enjoyed this session. It provided a lot of insight into other organization’s Workplace Wellness programs. It’s always great to hear from those doing the work.”
Celebrating Health West Virginia Awardees
The West Virginia State Department of Health, Bureau for Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease (HPCD) announced the recipients of the 2024 Celebrating Healthy West Virginia Award at Glade Springs Resort. The Buckhannon River Paddlers group was among those honored.
The awards were hosted by Active Southern West Virginia. This recognition celebrates 43 organizations committed to fostering environments that offer everyone the opportunity to live a healthier life.
Cabinet Secretary Sherri Young praised the recipients, stating, “The dedication and passion of these organizations are truly inspiring. Their commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities reflects the very best of West Virginia. By supporting and acknowledging their work, we hope to encourage even more initiatives that promote healthy living across our state.”
The 2024 Celebrating Healthy West Virginia award recipients include a diverse range of organizations making significant strides in health promotion and community wellness:
- Active Southern West Virginia
- Arthurdale Heritage
- Buckhannon River Paddlers
- Cabell-Huntington Health Department
- Center for Active WV
- Circles Campaign of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Inc.
- Clendenin Elk River Walking Club
- Columbia Forest Products
- Community Markets Inc.
- Elk River Trail Foundation
- Faith in Action of the
- Greater Kanawha Valley, Inc.
- Free Meals Appalachia
- Fun Fitness Foundation Inc.
- Girls on the Run of the
- Shenandoah Valley
- Grayhound Youth Sports
- Grrl Gang Runners and Friends
- Healthy Berkeley County
- Heart+Hand Outreach Ministries
- HoH-Share
- Keep Your Faith Corporation
- KEYS 4 HealthyKids
- Laughlin Memorial Chapel
- Lewis County Family Resource Network
- Mon Health Stonewall
- Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Monongalia County
- Child Advocacy Center
- Mountaineer Food Bank
- Mountains of Hope Outreach
- Niterra North America, Inc
- Parents Auxiliary Inc.
- Ken Ellis Memorial Park
- Plant the Seed Project
- Potomac Valley Audubon
- Rebuilding Together Charleston
- Refresh Appalachia
- Roane General Hospital-
- Prescription for Your Health
- Southern Appalachian Labor School
- Southern West Virginia Health System
- Spotted Owl Healthcare Organization
- The Amputee Center
- Try This WV
- We Bike WV
- Wetzel County Family Resource Network
- WV National Interscholastic Cycling League
- WVU School of Dentistry’s Certified
- Tobacco Treatment Training Program
Several organizations received special honors for their exceptional contributions:
- Arthurdale Heritage was recognized with the 2024 Inspiring Innovator Award.
- The Amputee Center received the 2024 Jessica G. Wright Health Equity Award.
- Rebuilding Together Charleston was awarded the 2024 Community Care Award.
- WV National Interscholastic Cycling League earned the 2024 Trailblazer Award.
“These organizations work tirelessly each day to create a healthier and more vibrant community for their members,” said Sheryn Carey, Director of the West Virginia HPCD. “We are thrilled to celebrate their remarkable efforts and the positive impact they have made across our state.”
The Celebrating Healthy West Virginia awardees will receive special signage and promotional materials to highlight their commitment to policies, programs and practices that foster healthier lifestyles.
To learn more about the Celebrating Healthy West Virginia initiative and discover how your community can get involved, please visit celebratinghealthywv.com.
