North County Health Fair Forum Focuses on 'Weight of the Workplace'

What’s the key to healthier employees and a healthier bottom line for employers?

According to research conducted by the Principal Financial Group, employees enrolled in workplace wellness programs report reduced personal health care costs and employers who invest in those programs see increased employee attendance, retention and productivity.

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce are hosting Weight of the Workplace: Promoting a Healthy Bottom Line at AMN Healthcare on Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

The forum features a panel discussion, health fair and networking sessions to educate and offer resources to the business community on workplace wellness.

“The County is committed to supporting the health, safety, and wellness of communities, including the workplace,” said Supervisor Dave Roberts, San Diego County Board of Supervisors, District 3, and keynote speaker at the forum.  “Healthy communities, healthy families, and healthy workers all contribute to a healthy local economy.”

The workplace wellness forum features Shelia Patel, M.D., Chopra Center for Wellbeing medical director; Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., San Diego County public health officer; Linda Richardson, Ph. D.; North Inland Mental Health Center/Mental Health Systems, Inc. program manager; and E. John Rott, M.D., M.P.H., Kaiser Permanente physician director. 

“The toll of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses on our community and economy cannot be ignored,” said Wooten.  “With an estimated annual cost in this county approaching $5 billion in medical expenditures – not including loss of job productivity – we must come together to provide solutions to support health and wellness at work.”

“A key component of the County’s regional wellness initiative, Live Well, San Diego!, is actively partnering with the business community in pursuing a healthy bottom line for the entire county region,” said HHSA Director Nick Macchione. “We know that a healthy workforce is a more productive, engaged workforce.”

The forum will also include a viewing of a portion of the HBO documentary, “How Wellness Programs Can Help the American Workforce.”

“The health and wellness of the American workforce is a key component to the nation's future economic prosperity,” said Debra Rosen, president & CEO, San Diego North Chamber of Commerce.  “The Chamber is proud to partner with the County to host this important program providing expert insight and resources for businesses to incorporate wellness into the workplace.”

Cost of attending the forum is $30 in advance for members of the North Chamber of Commerce and $40 for non-members. Attendance is $50 at the door. Additional information and registration can found at online here. 

—County News Center