Portage Health Wins Major Award

American Heart Association names Portage Health as Platinum workplace

HANCOCK – Portage Health has just walked its way into Platinum Status as a Fit Friendly Company, according to the American Heart Association.

In past years, Portage Health has been recognized by the American Heart Association with a Gold Status, but now the hospital has garnered Platinum Status, a designation shared with only 254 companies nationwide in 2010.

“We’ve worked hard to get this recognition, and every employee here can be proud of it,” said Joni Erkkila, wellness coordinator.

Platinum status is the highest level of recognition, and is earned not only by implementing comprehensive wellness opportunities, but also by proving success and results in these efforts.

“Our wellness program, myHealth, has been very popular amongst our employees, with more than 350 of them participating,” Erkkila said.

“Since the implementation of myHealth in 2009, Portage Health employees have shown improvement in many health indicators, including cholesterol, blood pressure and weight.”

On top of Portage Health’s comprehensive wellness program, other efforts include ensuring a smoke-free campus, offering discounts on fitness opportunities to employees and family members, and providing healthier options in the Café. All of these efforts add up to help improve employee morale, increase productivity and show a positive return on investment.

“Keeping our employees healthy and happy is always something we strive to do,” said Jim Bogan, president/CEO. “A recognition like this lets us know we’re headed in the right direction, being a leader in our community.”