Shelby County Government wins Cigna Well-Being Award in Tennessee

Cigna Corp. this week announced the winner of the Cigna Well-Being Award in Tennessee, honoring the Shelby County Government for its commitment to its employees' health and well-being.

The county has implemented an extensive workplace wellness program that incorporates free biometric screenings, health assessments, health fairs and produce giveaways. In addition to its bike rental program, the county offers onsite fitness centers and fitness activities to help staff stay active.

“County employees receive weekly messages about improving their health, and many use a new onsite fitness center," Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr., said. "Additionally, our Healthy Shelby 5K Festivals have been a great way to encourage physical fitness and educate county employees and citizens about health issues. Many community partners helped sponsor our prevention message campaigns designed to reduce infant mortality, hypertension and strokes. We’ve achieved very positive results through these employee and community-based initiatives."

A Cigna internal review committee evaluated Shelby County's wellness program on a variety of components, including its goals and employee participation. In addition to the Cigna award, Shelby County Government has been honored as a Healthier Tennessee Workplace and received the American Heart Association's Fit Friendly Award.

“Employers in both the public and private sectors are faced with the dual challenges of rising costs and helping employees keep their peak level of productivity,” Cigna's Tennessee President Greg Allen said. “Through their wellness initiatives, Shelby County Government is investing in both employees and the Memphis community. They are also helping to shape an approach to well-being that other employers can learn from and adopt.”