Red Deer’s Primary Care Network has been given a Premier’s Award of Distinction.
Premier Alison Redford recognized eight employers throughout the province for their commitment to improving employee health at the recent sixth Premier’s Awards for Healthy Workplaces.
As part of the Alberta government’s ‘Healthy U’ initiative, the award program honours employers who encourage their staff to make healthy eating choices and incorporate daily physical activity into their workday. Award recipients were selected based on the strategies, initiatives, policies, and programs they have in place to promote, support and enhance healthy workplaces. This year, 24 workplaces applied to one of three award categories.
The top three companies with the highest scores in workplace wellness receive a Premier’s Award of Distinction. Other high-ranking organizations receive an Award of Merit.
The Red Deer Primary Care Network was honoured for sponsoring a virtual trek through the ‘Steps Out’ program to provide a tool to help people be active on a regular basis. Staff were asked to encourage their family, friends and patients to join the four month trek. The primary care network also has a ‘Let’s Try It’ campaign which challenges staff, patients and the community to engage in healthy activities such as disc golf, using outdoor gyms, zumba, bike rides, the national commuter challenge and other fun activities.
“We’re extremely proud to receive the award. It really reflects our healthy organization and the whole organization right from all the staff to the physicians,” said Lorna Milkovich, executive director of the Red Deer Primary Care Network.
Last year, the Primary Care Network received an Award of Merit for some of their programs.
In addition, the Premier’s Award of Distinction is designed to recognize employers who encourage a healthy workplace through strategies, initiatives, policies and/or programs, and the efforts of staff to stay healthy at work and beyond. Any workplace is eligible to apply for the Premier’s Award for Healthy Workplaces.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
