The Jefferson Chamber’s LiveWell Jefferson 2022 Worksite Wellness Summit, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, took place Tuesday, August 9 at Copeland Tower Living. This year’s event placed an emphasis on increasing awareness and adopting worksite mental health wellness program concepts, tools and resources.
Jefferson Chamber President Ruth Lawson got the summit underway with an introduction before an update from Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng on the current health and state of parish residents.
Darrick Hesson, Director of Emergency Management and Public Safety at East Jefferson General Hospital (LCMC Health) provided a “Run, Hide, Fight” presentation and overview for workplaces seeking training in preparation for violence in the workplace. Leisa K. Farrar, RN with Spirit of Charity Foundation led an interactive “Stop the Bleed” workshop with attendees demonstrating correct ways to administer assistance with instruments for open wounds. Following a wellness activity break led by K.T. Lynn of Mistik Yoga, Dr. Leonardo Seoane with Ochsner Health delivered a presentation on the state’s health initiatives. After a brief overview by registered dietician Molly Kimball, an EatFit NOLA approved lunch was served for all attendees which included salmon, brown rice, asparagus, salad, fresh cut fruit and sugar-free cheesecake.
The Summit concluded with a celebration of a culture of health and wellness among the business community and residents of Jefferson Parish and with the announcement of the 2022 Healthy Business Awards.
Most Creative: Bergeron Automotive
Bergeron Automotive offers healthy snacks to service members, healthy lunches to sales staff on Saturdays, and have put wellness at the forefront of company culture by hosting monthly “Hello Health” sessions on varying topics that encompass all areas of wellness. In the past, topics have been hydration, sleep schedules, budgets, time management and so much more. Additionally, they offer weekly health coaching with a registered nurse and a free meeting with a nutritionist to receive customized plans. Future plans for their building remodel will include adding a dedicated mother and children space.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana
Led by the teaching of James Pogue, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana is using the “gumbo diplomacy” mentality of DEI, relating our implicit differences to the differences in how Southeastern Louisianans make their gumbo. Each month, employees receive a video with a certain topic focusing on our biases of race, gender, sexuality, ability, politics, religion, age and socioeconomics.
Up & Comer: Nora Vaden Holmes Insurance Company
When the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality, Nora began to research the boosting of your immune system to help prevent the virus which led her to improve her team’s healthcare program. Nora found a local company to come in to offer immune boosting injections with B12, Vitamin D, glutathione with amino acids to her team on a monthly basis. Nora provides additional vitamins in the break area and provides supplements to each team member to take home and share with their families.
