Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

HENRY COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER – Paris, Tennessee
Industrial Wellness Program

What is it?
Four industries in the county that employ large segments of the population partner in this program, through which comprehensive health care screenings and information come to the employees at their work sites. Each company pays less then $100 per person for over $800 worth of tests and counseling. Labs include complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, liver panel, lipid profile, total iron, PSA, and thyroid profile. Additional data obtained include: osteoporosis screening, BMI, hip to waist ratio, and blood pressure. Flu shots, tobacco screenings and smoking cessation classes can also be added. Participants receive their health profile, written information on prevention and risks, a heart health risk assessment, and recommendations for improving their health. All profiles are confidential, but the company does receive an overall summary of the health of its employees, as well as the number of participants and breakdown of statistics. 

Who is it for?
Employees of these four industries. Some of the industries allow the spouses of the employees to participate as well. The industries are Board of Public Utilities (BPU), Commercial Bank and Trust Company and one of its branches that is in another county, McCartney Produce Inc., and PML. This year’s combined total number of participants is 320. Of those, 175 were female and 145 were male with the average age being 44.66. 19 of those had an abnormal thyroid panel. 104 had high blood pressure (greater than 140/90). 1 case of known prostate cancer was discovered. 18 that had an abnormal glucose level. 114 that had high cholesterol (greater than 200).This program has resulted in many new diagnoses of unknown disease processes this year alone.

Why do they do it?
These employees don’t necessarily have the time or the finances to have the care they need. For some, a well adult check up is not an option. Not many people will go to the doctor if the don’t have a complaint. This program offers a health screening without having to loose time and wages by the employee thus ultimately saving the industry in health related cost and employee absentees. Approximately nine years ago, BPU approached the hospital asking for a screening program for its employees. Their insurance provider had been providing health screenings to their employees and spouses and had ended that program. That was the beginning of our industrial wellness program.  

Impact: This program has discovered approximately 750 previously unknown diseases processes and saved approximately 125 lives since its beginning. It is easy to see how this industrial wellness program is an invaluable tool to the community, the business community, and the health care community in Henry County.
 

Contact: Tory Daughrity
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Telephone: 731-644-8266
E-mail: tdaughrity@hcmc-tn.org

Contact: Angie Dotson, RN, BSN
Community Educator
Telephone: 731-644-8269
E-mail: adotson@hcmc-tn.org