A Message From Our CEO

We are delighted to announce that HERO, in collaboration with the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Diabetes Association, and American Heart Association, have released a joint consensus statement on the use of outcomes-based incentives in workplace wellness programs. The paper, “Guidance for a Reasonably Designed Employer-Sponsored Wellness Program Using Outcomes-based Incentives,” was published by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM) on
July 13th.

The spirit of collaboration demonstrated by all parties in this effort holds great promise for our ability to work together to create thoughtful and balanced approaches to difficult questions that employers and wellness providers face.  Another example of this collaborative approach is the work that these same organizations are currently doing to create a guidance document on onsite screenings that will be completed later this year.


The HERO on HEALTH Industry Spotlight this month focuses on communications strategy. LaVaughn Palma-Davis, senior director of the University Health and Well-being Services at the University of Michigan, shares approaches used in the MHealthy employee wellness program that serves 40,000 university employees and family members. Effective communications is the bedrock for successful engagement and is critically important to the sustainability of a health management program. Thank you, LaVaughn, for your insights.


The 2012 HERO Forum  is right around the corner and I hope you’re making plans to join us in Minneapolis, October 2-4. The agenda of workshops, speakers, panels and networking tables promises to provide many opportunities for learning, sharing and networking for all attendees. In addition, on the evening of October 2nd, all Forum attendees are invited to a special celebration dinner in recognition of employee wellness programs featuring past C. Everett Koop Award winners.

As you think about the health of your own employees, I encourage you to also consider making a commitment to the health of your community. You can do so by getting your company involved in National Food Day on October 24. Organized by the non-profit FoodDay.org, this event provides a platform for employers and communities to come together to celebrate healthy, affordable, and sustainably-produced food . HERO is pleased to make employers aware of this new movement and we hope that you’ll consider lending your energy to this important effort.

Here’s to staying cool this summer,
Jerry