McLeod kicks off Health Resource Expo for employees

FLORENCE — A two-week Health Resource Expo is under way for employees of McLeod Regional Medical Center.

The coordinator is Tim Hess, associate vice president for human resources.

“This is part of our benefits enrollment this year,” Hess said. “We’re expanding our employee wellness program as we evolve to a culture of health. We’re doing what we call a Health Resource Expo.”

The expo features free health screenings, a health assessment and resources on topics designed to help McLeod employees better manage their health.

“We recognize that investing in the health of employees is one of the best decisions a company can make,” Hess said. “We’re doing health screenings so that they can get their biometry, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and body-mass index checked.”

Employees are being tested for tobacco use. They are given an incentive for being tobacco-free in McLeod’s health plan.

“We’re also doing a health assessment questionnaire to kind of gauge lifestyle and health risks,” Hess said. “What that will do is provide our employees with a comprehensive report with information and tips on living healthier.”

The system-wide program encompasses McLeod campuses in Darlington, Dillon and Florence. It includes about 5,000 employees.

“We’re doing this as a service at no cost to our employees,” Hess said. “We’re also putting an incentive in if they have our health insurance plan, they will get an additional credit. By being tobacco-free and attending the expo this year, they can get up to a $355 credit to their health insurance by taking steps to become healthier.”

Rob Colones is the president and chief executive officer of McLeod.

“I am proud of all that we do in striving to make McLeod ‘The Choice for Medical Excellence,’” he said. “Each and every day, I see the tangible ways all of us live our mission to improve the overall health and well-being of the people within our region.”

Colones said he is equally proud of the importance McLeod places on developing innovative, cost-effective programs that support the health and well-being of its employees through Living Well, a “home-grown” health and wellness initiative.

“This year, we are taking Living Well to a new level by growing a ‘culture of health’ at McLeod,” he said. “This journey is a shared partnership that is intended to help keep all of us healthy.”

The expo, which began Monday, is coinciding with McLeod’s annual benefits enrollment period. It runs through Nov. 18. The American Heart Association also is observing Start! Eating Healthy Day today in conjunction with the expo.