We offer a program to schools interested in understanding the needs of their staff with regard to their health. This information is crucial in setting up health promotion programs that will be successful. The program has four tiers:

1. All the staff take the VEHI Healthy Life Survey individually and anonymously.

2. We then put together a group report on the building as a whole. From this report we look at success and challenges and design solutions. We present the information and action plan during a staff in-service day.

3. Everyone gets their report, the group report, a VEHI Healthwise Handbook (if they don't already have it), a copy of The Good Care Guide and a orientation to the Healthwise Knowledgebase On-line.

4. Administration and wellness coordinators then carry out programs for health based on the action plan.

Ways to make it happen in your building:

1. Everyone takes the survey by appointment only with a health professional on site at the school. We add in a blood pressure screening and give the participant a consultation along with their report. This takes 20 minutes a person. We come in later and do a follow-up on the group results and begin action planning wellness programs for the building. This is would take 1½-2 hours and requires that administration be involved.

2. People take the survey ahead of time on line. They get their reports right away. We come to an in-service day and give a presentation on the group results and begin action planning wellness programs for the building. This is would take 1½-2 hours and requires that administration be involved.

Making a case for doing the survey -- Why We Do This

1. Our mission is to help our school staff become the best possible health care consumers. These reports offer a information, skills and strategies tailored to the individual, to help us reach our mission.

2. We want to know what is the best use of wellness funds in any given building. To do so, we need to know what health concerns exist in that group. The data collected by the survey will help answer that question.

The Big Picture!

The data gained from this Survey can guide us to an effective means of addressing difficult health concerns for staff. In doing so, we have an opportunity to make a difference in the school's bottom line - healthy teachers are present and ready to teach.

We will also gain in ways completely anecdotal remembering that often what is most meaningful is not always measurable. Knowing what is meaningful to staff will get them out of bed and in your classrooms every day.

In the end, we hope that we will see our children succeed as they are taught and guided by proud, healthy, committed, positive role models in our school staff.

Some Examples...

Here are some examples of the valuable information we found in our pilot study:

• 86% of staff felt safe in their working environment.

• 48% of the staff had experienced a major crisis, family or personal health problem in the last year.

• 89% said they have co-workers they can turn to in times of need.

• 30% of the staff screened positive for depression - the most expensive health care issue according to the Centers for Disease Control.

• 91% said they had a sense of hopefulness and a positive view of the future - a key indicator of health and the ability to bounce back from adversity.

• 38% were not able to get adequate rest or sleep - which can result in depression, moodiness, lost reaction time, and reduced immune function.

All the areas of concern above are manageable through good programs. There are also some great areas to celebrate! That's the best news!

Think About It…

No more one-time fixes for stress management, or other health programs. This survey report will provide the basis of an ACTION PLAN for creating a better working environment!

Work affects health as much as health affects work. Let's take responsibility collectively and collaboratively!

This resource provided by VEHI will encourage a healthy school community . The only cost to the district is in allowing staff to take the time to do it!

Prove It!

If wellness programs have a noticeable impact, your building should see a reduced cost in some of your bottom-line expenses, such as:

Health Care Costs Short/Long Term Disability Sick Days Job Performance Retention and Turnover Mediation & Conflict Resolution Worker Compensation Unemployment Compensation

The survey helps us determine which programs have the best potential to provide such an impact!

What's In It For Staff? Staff will see their successes regarding their health and be able to make an action plan for changing what they don't like. They get a chance do away with misconceptions, and can begin to foster new skills and enhance what's already there. They'll also get a chance to see that administration cares about making their working day more efficient and healthy.

What Does Administration Get Out of It?

The bottom line is a healthy staff shows up to work committed, present, creative and capable. Without your human capitol your building simply cannot succeed. This is an easy, cost effective way to care for your greatest asset.