Washington State Public Employees Choose Wellness

Authors:

Patricia Migliore Santiago (Presenter)
Washington Department of Health

Casey Eastman, Washington Department of Health

Public Health Statement: Developing policy, systems and environmental changes to increase the health and wellness of the public through employers are important in promoting cancer prevention and control.

Purpose: To support Public Employees in their journey toward living well utilizing Washington’s voluntary employee wellness program called SmartHealth.

Methods/Approach: The Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program and the Comprehensive Cancer Control program collaborated with Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) to incorporate cancer prevention and screening messages into SmartHealth. Through SmartHealth, employees earn points towards a $125 credit on their medical plan for the year. ‘Stay Up-to-Date on Cervical Cancer Screening’ was the first item added and participants earned 100 points. Messages include information on screening guidelines, costs, and other resources. Colorectal cancer screening and HPV vaccination activities were also added.

Results: HCA is currently pulling participant numbers for the colorectal cancer screening activities. As of March 2017, 2,900 participants have signed up to complete the cervical cancer screening activity. We have established a space within SmartHealth to focus on cancer prevention and control messages. Incorporating cancer prevention and control activities in SmartHealth helps to maintain the Department of Health Zo8 Award from HCA.

Conclusions/Implications: SmartHealth is an excellent way to reach Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) eligible members. SmartHealth works to improve the health of PEBB Program members in five key behavior changes as put forth by the Legislature (Section 40): completion of the Well-being Assessment, increased physical activity, improved food selection, reduced tobacco use and increased completion of preventive care measures.