The American Heart Association has recognized Oklahoma State University as a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite and awarded OSU the Worksite Innovation Award. The award honors OSU for going above and beyond when it comes to employees’ health.
The Gold Level Fit-Friendly Worksite singles out employers that fulfill criteria such as offering employees physical activity support, increasing healthy eating options at work and promoting a wellness culture.
The Worksite Innovation Award is given to an employer that achieves all criteria for gold-level recognition and leads the development and implementation of innovation, effective programs that promote physical activity specifically in the workplace.
“The Innovation Award was received in recognition of our Certified Healthy Department program, which is based on the OK Certified Healthy Business Award and is the first of its kind on a university campus,” said Dr. Suzy Harrington, Oklahoma State University Chief Wellness Officer.
“Being one of 35 organizations chosen to receive the American Heart Association’s Worksite Innovation Award and earning, Gold, the highest level of the Fit-Friendly Worksites is a great confirmation that OSU has a solid culture of wellness and truly IS America’s Healthiest Campus ®. While the award was specific to worksites, our students benefit from our commitment to workplace wellness,” said Harrington.
“There’s no better benefit to offer your employees than helping them have healthier, longer lives, whether your workplace is a school, corporation, hospital or any other type of worksite,” according to the American Heart Association website.
OSU now has 65 departments in its Certified Healthy Department program, which was launched in 2011 and promotes wellness and health across campus in a variety of ways. Certification focuses on physical activity, mental health, stress management and nutrition.
Oklahoma State University is committed to creating a healthy campus for employees and students. For more information visit wellness.okstate.edu.
