Three agencies get health services awards

Three agencies get health services awards

After completing a workplace survey in 1995, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission dramatically expanded its work, family life and health services programs. Since the expansion, employees have access to health and wellness fairs and a headquarters fitness center.
amaxwell@govexec.com

Three federal organizations will receive the Office of Personnel Management Director's Award for Outstanding Employee Health Services Programs next week during the National Conference on Federal Employee Assistance and Health Enhancement Programs.

OPM Director Janice Lachance will present the awards to:

  • The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Washington office, for its Work/Life Program.
  • The 72nd Medical Group at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, for its Health and Wellness Program.
  • The U.S. Army South in Panama for its Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program.

The Tinker Air Force Base Health and Wellness Center has organized a smoking cessation program and a Health Promotion Working Group chaired by the base commander. Base employees and family members also have access to health-risk appraisals and cardiovascular disease prevention training.

The Army South's Employee Assistance Program helped employees cope with the reduction of U.S. personnel in the Panama Canal. The commanding general implemented a training program through the EAP entitled "The Human Side of Downsizing" and held town hall meetings to provide facts and dispel rumors.

OPM encourages agencies to establish or improve employee health services programs and showcases model programs to other organizations. OPM will present the awards Tuesday.