McKendree University Collaborates with Memorial Hospital, BJC HealthSolutions for Employee Health Fair March 20

(LEBANON, Ill., March 20, 2024) – McKendree University is proud to announce the successful completion of its health fair for university employees on March 20 at the Hett auditorium on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, Ill. This event was a collaboration between McKendree University, Memorial Hospital (Belleville and Shiloh) and BJC HealthSolutions, McKendree University’s provider-sponsored, direct-to-employer health plan.

This event, as part of the health plan’s wellbeing program, is aimed at enhancing the health of all university employees.

“Six out of 10 adults have a chronic condition, and in 2022, the CDC quantified the top five chronic diseases or risk factors cost $36.4 billion a year,” said Shawna Gale-Jachtuber, director of the BJC Healthcare’s direct-to-employer program. “Our biometric screenings provide participants an opportunity to check in with their sugar and cholesterol levels. Catching or checking in on these levels in an onsite health fair is a great way for individuals to put their health first.”

Before attending, participants had the chance to complete a personal health survey. At the health fair, screening participants completed a finger stick and measurements in height, weight and blood pressure. This allowed employees to gain valuable insights into their current health metrics. Once results were returned, participants had the opportunity to have a one-on-one consultation about the results and the survey with a clinician, ensuring a thorough understanding of their health status and fostering informed decisions about their wellbeing.

In addition to the screenings, the health fair featured a variety of informational tables from Memorial Hospital. These stations provided participants with an in-depth look at the various hospital services and specialties available and a chance to ask questions and learn more about health and wellbeing topics ranging from routine preventative care to specialized treatments. The event also featured two therapy dogs from Got Your Six Support Dogs, offering a moment of stress relief and highlighting the importance of mental wellbeing alongside physical health.

“We are excited to once again partner with BJC and our local hospitals to offer our employees this health and wellness fair,” said Rick Ortega, director of human resources at McKendree. “Bringing these valuable resources on campus to promote a healthy lifestyle is important for all of us at McKendree. We have received overwhelming support and gratitude from our faculty and staff, and we look forward to promoting future wellbeing initiatives with our BJC partners.”

For more information about the health fair, please contact Rick Ortega at [email protected].

 

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