A local health official was on hand last week to tell Kingfisher Lions Club members about a new program that promotes workplace wellness.

Taylor Shelton, the health educator for the Kingfisher, Blaine and Logan county health departments, introduced members to the program Thursday when she served as guest speaker.

The employer-training program is called Work@Health and is an initiative of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

It’s also provided free of charge.

“Having a healthier workplace has shown to have a positive impact on productivity and it helps lower healthcare costs,” Shelton told members.

Work@Health uses both web-based and in-person training labs to deliver what Shelton said was about a sixto-eight-week program.

Instructors will have undergone “rigorous” training in order to be certified to train for the program, Shelton said.

On top of professional training said benefits of the free service include:

• A complete health and safety assessment of the participating organization or business;

• Technical assistance as well as community support resources aimed at providing employers resources to continue health promotions at work;

• Monitoring of participants’ progress in the implementation of the program as well as continued assistance after the training;

• Certification and recognition of participating businesses as “healthy worksites.”

Taylor stressed that even after training, she and others would be available.

“From that point on, you can always call me,” she said. “It’s a continuous process.”

To qualify, employers must be headquartered in the U.S., have at least 20 employees and provide health insurance.