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Honoring companies who demonstrate a commitment to health and wellness innovation. Count Us In. MAINE VETERANS' HOMES: Recipient of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care's "Health Innovator Award" T hey were always so busy taking care of others; they forgot to take care of themselves. Five years ago, this realization was the beginning of the Health, Safety, and Wellness program at the Maine Veterans' Homes that created a healthier environment for their staff. MVH designed a progressive wellness incentive program that continues to provide employees with the support they need to achieve their goals. For its dedication to health and wellness, Maine Veterans' Homes is the latest recipient of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care's Health Innovator Award. Joanna Aronica, wellness manager at MVH, explains, "We started with health screenings to identify behavioral health risks, and those have been the driver of the majority of our programs." These programs have included activities to address physical, emotional, nutritional, and stress related concerns. MVH has started Move and Improve, a 12-week physical activity program. They also offer weekly yoga classes and encourage employees to complete community activities like the Alzheimer's Walk, Relay for Life, and the Dempsey Challenge. Using input from across the organization, benefits include annual physical incentives, fitness club reimbursement, and assistance for nicotine replacement therapies. Educational sessions have been a key driver of success, and were made possible by the Harvard Pilgrim…At Work For You SM program. Topics for their education sessions have included everything from proper foam rolling techniques to stress management and elder care. "We strive to help our employees understand their health status, and offer them a variety of ways to improve both their health and that of their families," says Aronica. Harvard Pilgrim has been a steadfast partner and resource for Maine Veterans' Homes. Says Vice President in Maine at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Ed Kane, "Harvard Pilgrim is proud to partner with Maine Veterans' Homes in their dynamic health and wellness initiatives. As a not-for-profit organization dedicated to caring for those that served our country, we are honored to recognize their successful efforts in creating a healthy work environment for their staff." Ken Hann, director of HR at MVH, explains that Harvard Pilgrim has been very collaborative. "They encourage us to consider all of our options when it comes to health care. Their Now iKnow SM tool allows us to shop smarter for health care options and save money. Harvard Pilgrim has also allowed us to take advantage of their EatRight Rewards program to save money at various area grocery stores by choosing healthy food options." All of these efforts are paying off for MVH and their employees. Injuries are down 32% in 2015, ER visits have dropped by 21%, and wellcare visits are up 18%. The MVH Workers Comp premium has dropped and individual performance appraisals are continually improving. Maine Veterans' Homes CEO, Kelley Kash, has been a passionate supporter of their program, which is a large reason for the success. Aronica states, "Having top level support is key. Build a healthy environment first with the support of company leaders and representation from a good cross section of the company to build a strong program." Aronica and Hann agree that these programs take time to implement and see results. ''We take three years for everything we institute," says Hann. "The first year is just getting a program started. The second year it gets a little better through lessons learned, and by the third year we've got it figured out." They encourage businesses to reach out to others who have successful programs. Aronica states, "It isn't about recreating the wheel. We reached out to MaineHealth when starting our program to learn from them, and I encourage others to reach out to us. I think it would be fun for us to pay it forward–if you're looking to do this, go talk to some people who are doing it, because there is just so much you can get from them!" "We are honored to recognize their successful efforts in creating a healthy work environment for their staff." Ed Kane, Vice President, Maine at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Ed Kane, Harvard Pilgrim's vice president, Maine, far left, with employees of Maine Veterans' Homes, left to right: Peggy Buckley, assistant director of nursing MVH-Scarborough; Leslie Spencer, admissions coordinator from MVH-Bangor; Janet Mitchell, residential care director MVH-Bangor; Joanna Aronica, wellness manager for MVH; Kelly Stevens, receptionist and medical records clerk MVH-Machias; Ken Hann, HR director for MVH.

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