Sanford, Fla. – The results of the American Heart Association 2020 Workplace Health Achievement Index were recently announced and the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County achieved national SILVER LEVEL recognition for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace. The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County is one of 776 organizations that completed the Index assessment this year, evaluating the time period of July 30, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Of the organizations that completed the Index assessment, 35% received gold recognition, the highest percentage to date, 29% silver and 25% bronze.

“We are proud to continue to maintain the Silver Level status for the Workplace Health Index. The health of our employees is of utmost importance. The Employee Wellness Committee strives to engage our staff in activities that benefit their health and allow them to be role models for their families and community,” said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

"The Employee Wellness Committee is committed to creating a healthier environment for staff and believes that better health starts from within,” said Herronda Mortimer, chair for the Employee Wellness Committee.

In an effort to improve employee health, safety, and well-being in the workplace the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County has implemented health promotion interventions for employees. The categories are organizational supports, tobacco use, nutrition, physical activity, weight management, stress management, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes and diabetes, heart attack and stroke, maternal health and lactation support, vaccine-preventable diseases, and occupational health and safety.

The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, created the Index with its CEO Roundtable a leadership collaborative of more than 45 members from some of America’s largest companies who are committed to applying evidence-based approaches to improve their employees’ overall health. The Index is a web-based scorecard that looks at organizational best practices and aggregates employee health data to evaluate the overall quality and comprehensiveness of workplace health programs. Studies show that worksites with a culture of health and comprehensive, evidence-based policies and programs, and senior leadership support are more likely to have engaged employees and a healthier, more productive workforce.

A unique feature of the Index is that it calculates an average heart health score for employees of participating companies that securely submit aggregate health data through Life’s Simple 7®, the American Heart Association’s definition of ideal cardiovascular health based on seven risk factors. Life’s Simple 7® includes smoking status, physical activity, weight, diet, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure. Companies receive benchmarking reports, which allow them to identify potential areas of improvement so that they can advance their annual performance and recognition.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.