The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) received a Washtenaw County Public Health 2014 Healthy Workplace Award for implementing worksite wellness programs that foster a healthier and happier environment for its valued employees.
As a part of National Public Health Week 2014, winners were acknowledged at the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 2.
In 2008, three employees at TheRide volunteered to begin an informal trek towards living a healthier life by starting the Ride 4 Life Get Fit Stay Fit Program. That small group has evolved into a robust health management program that includes a mission and vision-driven Wellness Team, annual wellness fairs, and many wellness tracking initiatives focused on helping the organization’s 221 employees reach personal goals and maintain healthy lifestyles.
In addition to these annual program staples that help form a sense of community while supporting personal wellness goals, there are other team-oriented charitable fundraising walks and runs; as well as biking, smoking cessation, and healthy eating events. While TheRide came up with the creative ideas for its program, its partnerships with community and national organizations help to defray the costs of providing the activities and information to its employees. TheRide’s wellness initiatives and events have also raised money to benefit the Hope Clinic and University of Michigan CS Mott Children’s Hospital Congenital Heart Center.
Supported and encouraged by its CEO Michael G. Ford and COO Dawn Gabay, and fueled by the interest of its employees to live healthier, happier, and longer lives; TheRide’s Wellness Team is poised for continued growth and success. Through the personal care and attention given by the Wellness Team volunteers, the Ride 4 Life Program continues to see a tremendous return on investment both with employee morale and a reduction in overall healthcare costs.
