COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Board of Supervisors

DATE:

February 24, 2011

BOARD MEETING DATE:

April 12, 2011

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Supervisor Carole Groom, President of the Board

SUBJECT:

Proposed Countywide Wellness Policy

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution accepting the proposed Countywide Wellness Policy.

BACKGROUND:

The County’s 2025 vision is to create a healthy, livable, prosperous, environmentally conscious and collaborative community for our employees and the public that we serve. It is widely acknowledged that wellness programs are the best long-term solution to containing ever-rising employer medical costs. Wellness programs help employees be healthier, more productive, and use fewer medical services.

In January 2009, the County established a labor-management Wellness Committee to draft County Wellness guidelines. The Committed solicited feedback from key stakeholders, management, and employees as part of the developmental process.

DISCUSSION:

The County, through the proposed Wellness Policy, seeks to:

• Be a corporate role model for other employers located in San Mateo County by providing a supportive work environment, organizational practices, and culture;

• Provide access to healthy food and beverages for employees and the public during the workday and to make the “Healthy Choice” the County’s preferred and default choice;

• Encourage employees to take advantage of opportunities for physical activity before, during, or after the workday;

• Eliminate workplace tobacco exposure and encourage a tobacco-free lifestyle;

• Encourage employees to take good care of their health and to use the medical care system wisely;

• Utilize County owned or leased facilities and grounds in a manner that supports healthy lifestyle choices;

• Engage employees as partners in assuring their best possible health and in reducing preventable health care costs for both our employees and the County.

Performance Measure(s):

Measure

FY 2010-11
actual

FY 2011-12
Projected

% of employees who complete a health/wellness screening

N/A

30%

% vending machines with 100% healthy options

N/A

100%

% of employees with reduced obesity/body mass index, stress/depression, and tobacco/substance abuse

N/A

10%

FISCAL IMPACT:

No net County cost impact. The proposed policy is the groundwork towards building a healthier County workforce which, in turn, will have a positive impact on reducing future health premium costs.