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Capital Metro Wellness Program Recognized for Improving Employee Health and Reducing Costs

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION::

Adam ShaivitzErica McKewen
(512) 369-6027 (512) 369-6085
(512) 844-5153 cell (512) 401-7665 cell
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Capital Metro Wellness Program Recognized for Improving Employee Health and Reducing Costs




June 4, 2009

NEWS FACTS

  • A recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) case study recognized Capital Metro's award-winning Wellness Program for its positive effect on employees and significant return on investment.
  • Since implementing the Wellness Program in 2003, Capital Metro has saved $2.43 for every $1 spent on the program.
  • Employee absenteeism has dropped 25 percent since 2003.
  • Annual incurred health care costs have dropped nearly four percent since 2006.
  • Capital Metro's Wellness Program focuses on reducing employees' risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions by providing a wide range of health-conscious programs, including:
    • Two 24-hour fitness centers
    • Certified personal trainers and wellness coach on staff
    • Tri-FIT full body assessments to establish employees' fitness goals and track progress
    • On-site dietician to help employees and families make healthy food choices
    • Healthy choice discount program in the employee cafeteria
    • Fat and carbohydrate limits on vending machine snacks
    • Weight Watchers classes
    • Smoking cessation classes
    • Free stroke screenings, mammograms, health and vision testing, blood pressure checks, cholesterol and glucose testing
    • Free flu shots
    • Healthy eating and stress-reduction workshops
    • Walking club
    • Bike loan program
    • Cash incentives
  • Since 2005, Capital Metro employees have received more than $39,000 in cash incentives for success in losing weight, quitting smoking, and participating in other Wellness Program initiatives.
  • While utilizing Capital Metro's Wellness Program, one employee lost 199 pounds and 32 percent of body fat.
  • Capital Metro's Wellness Program is administered under contract by Health & Lifestyles of Austin.

MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS
image of page on the cdc website.

WELLNESS PROGRAM AWARDS

  • Work-Life Innovative Excellence Award from the Alliance for Work-Life Progress, honoring the implementation of programs that enrich the lives of employees while achieving organizational and business goals
  • STEPS Program Success Story by the CDC, honoring community changes to address the burden of obesity, diabetes and more in schools, communities and worksites
  • Texas Chapter Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) Innovation Award, for success and innovation in risk management

QUOTES

  • I truly believe that a healthier workforce is a happier workforce. And a happier workforce is a more productive workforce. Finally, a more productive workforce allows us to provide better service for our customers every day.

    -- Fred Gilliam, President/CEO

  • Capital Metro's Wellness Program has played a direct role in improving employee health and morale, and reducing our absenteeism and health care costs. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of our staff and am pleased that other transit agencies are modeling their wellness programs after ours.

    -- Mike Nyren, Risk Manager

ABOUT CAPITAL METRO
Capital Metro's mission is to provide quality public transportation choices for our community that meet the needs of our growing region. With the highest per capita ridership in Texas, Capital Metro serves more than 3,000 bus stops with metro, flyer and express routes, downtown `Dillo circulator routes and UT Shuttle service. Capital Metro also provides MetroAccess service for passengers with disabilities, van and carpool coordination, and freight rail service.

Capital MetroRail is a new passenger rail system expected to begin soon between the City of Leander and the Convention Center in Downtown Austin. MetroRail is part of the All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan that includes expanded local and express bus service, MetroRapid bus service, and new and improved park and ride lots. For more information, including an online trip planner and a commute cost calculator, visit www.capmetro.org or call (512) 474-1200.

SAFETY TIP OF THE DAY
Stand slightly to one side to let people exiting the bus get off before you try to board. It¿s not only a matter of courtesy, but also one of personal safety.

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line seperatorCapital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200