The Jefferson Chamber’s LiveWell Jefferson 2023 Worksite Wellness Summit, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, took place Tuesday, August 15, at Copeland Tower Living. This annual event strives to increase attendees’ knowledge and awareness of worksite health and wellness program concepts, tools, and resources.
Jefferson Chamber President Ruth Lawson got the summit underway with an introduction highlighting the Chamber’s LiveWell Jefferson initiative followed by remarks by Debbie Stagni on behalf of the event’s presenting sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana.
Sarah Babcock, Chief Administrative Assistant with Jefferson Parish, delivered the parish’s most recent Health Assessment update which looks at both qualitative and quantitative health data to help determine public health priorities. The assessment is completed in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health.
The Summit’s first of two speaker panels included a discussion among multiple recent Healthy Business Award winners and how they have maintained and improved upon their noteworthy workplace wellness practices. Moderated by 2023 Jefferson Chamber Board Chairman Al Galindo, panelists included Natalie Naquin of Cornerstone, Nora Vaden Holmes of Nora Vaden Holmes Insurance Agency, and Beth Winkler of Magnolia Physical Therapy.
The Summit included a presentation of the 2023 Healthy Business Awards which highlight and celebrate members of the Jefferson Chamber actively engaged in healthy initiatives in the workplace. These awards also facilitate the exchange of ideas for healthy changes that can be made. Awards for health and wellness programs and initiatives over the last year went to Leaaf Environmental (Most Creative), the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), Ochsner Health (Best Employee Led Program), and Harch Hyberbarics (Up & Comer).
Shawn Verbeten with the LSU Ag Center led a presentation with summit attendees on the subject of healthy cooking and ways to improve nutrition at home and in the workplace. Following a brief Q&A session, Verbeten and the LSU Ag Center provided healthy smoothies to those in attendance.
The Summit’s final panel discussion, entitled “COVID’s Over. Now What?”, included a detailed discussion on the Community Healthcare Assessment, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FGHC), and mental wellness. Moderated by Jefferson Chamber Health & Wellness Committee Chair Tara Miller of Ochsner Health, panelists included Dr. Beau Raymond of Ochsner Health, Da’Trice Smith-Jones of Our Community Health, and Hannah Stiller of LCMC Health.
