Walker County will launch a comprehensive wellness program beginning in January with CHI Memorial contracted to manage the new program.
The agreement, which runs for three years, will provide county-covered employees with access to a wellness coach, tobacco cessation resources and multiple clinic locations providing preventative and urgent medical care, pharmacy and laboratory services, Commissioner Shannon Whitfield said.
He stated, "This move will save the county about $40,000 a year, based on the synergy CHI Memorial brings to the table.
Plus, CHI Memorial has locations in LaFayette and Chickamauga, as well as extended office hours, including Saturdays. This will make it more convenient for our covered team members to make their health a priority."
CHI Memorial recently announced that it had purchased the former Hutcheson Hospital at Fort Oglethorpe, which went into bankruptcy.
As a result of that bankruptcy and a guarantee by a prior administration, Walker County is now indebted by $8.7 million to CHI Memorial competitor Erlanger Health System.
"At CHI Memorial, we know that an organization is only as strong as its employees," said Andrew McGill, Sr. Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, CHI Memorial. "That's why CHI Memorial Workplace Health is committed to delivering a comprehensive corporate health and wellness program with preventative and urgent care services, and health coaching for chronic conditions that helps employees improve their health and well-being so they can lead healthier, productive lives."
Walker County also plans to provide a health risk assessment for all of its employees. "The CHI Memorial team will work with our team to prevent things like diabetes or a heart attack, producing happier, healthier employees. That's in addition to having access to convenient care services when you feel sick," said Commissioner Whitfield.
Walker County has offered a worksite clinic for many years at the Commissioner's Office building. Along with reducing costs and improving access to care, this agreement allows the county to get out of the prescription drug dispensing business, which will reduce liability concerns, which Commissioner Whitfield said he has expressed from day one.
"I'm finding many of our employees use tobacco products. In 2018, we will work through our new wellness program to help our team members kick the habit," added Commissioner Whitfield. "My goal has been to take our clinic experience for our team members to a higher level of care. CHI Memorial is the best partner for Walker County to help us achieve this goal."