Athens Regional is pleased to announce it has been recognized as a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association. The hospital has earned this recognition every year since 2011.

The American Heart Association’s Fit-Friendly Worksites Recognition Program recognizes employers who champion the health of their employees by creating physical activity programs within the workplace. The program is also meant to encourage other worksites to participate and demonstrate similar physical activity practices for their employees.

Studies suggest that a worksite physical activity program and a culture that promotes activity helps businesses increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and employee turnover, as well as reduce healthcare costs.

“Athens Regional is dedicated to the health and well-being of every member of the Athens Regional team. We recognize that without healthy and well employees, we cannot provide the care our patients deserve,” said Dr. Chuck Peck, President and CEO of Athens Regional Health System.

Athens Regional has been a leader in the promotion of workplace wellness and activity programs for years. Athens Regional’s Take Charge program is a free employee wellness program that rewards participants for their commitment to exercise, nutrition and an overall healthy lifestyle by offering a reduction in insurance rates.

Athens Regional also provides similar programs for businesses and companies in the Athens-Clarke and Oconee County areas. Trained health educators and registered nurses provide programming, on-site screenings and other wellness tools to thousands of local employees through the Health Matters…at Work program.