What's New

Highland Wellness Committee Recognized as Kansas Health Champions

published December 6, 2016

Highland Wellness Committee Recognized as Kansas Health Champions

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Susan Mosier, M.D., MBA, FACS presented the 2016 Kansas Health Champion Awards to the following individuals and organizations at a reception hosted by the Governor’s Council on Fitness:

·         Individual Health Champion: Nikki Allen

·         Organizational Health Champion: Chanute Recreation Commission

·         Individual Honorable Mention: Missty Lechner

·         Organizational Honorable Mention: Highland Community College Wellness Committee

The Health Champion Award was developed by the Governor’s Council on Fitness to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. Eligible nominees include volunteers, schools, communities, employers, media organizations and policy makers that put forth exceptional efforts to model, encourage, and promote fitness in Kansas.

The Highland Community College Wellness Committee has excelled in its efforts to improve the health of employees and the community as part of the activities at the Walters Wellness Center on the Highland campus. The Committee implemented a policy for employees to combine breaks to allow for a half hour of paid daily exercise. Highland also holds classes such as PACE, or People with Arthritic Can Exercise, and fitness times taught by person trainers. They have made great strides in reaching older populations, as well as reaching families by keeping membership costs affordable. Highland also provides a location for Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Workshops and has been incredible partners for the NEKES Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Program. Members have reported decreases in medications, increases in strength and energy, weight loss and weight management, and positive self-awareness. Highland Community College Wellness Committee will continue to make a huge impact on the health of Northeastern Kansas as it strives to improve the health and wellness in the surrounding community.

The College’s Wellness Committee is composed of Robert Brainerd – Sociology Instructor, Audrey Denton – SSS Retention Specialist, Dana Diven – Great Western Dining Cafeteria Manager, Angie Eberly – Wellness Center Director, Eileen Gronniger – Human Resource Manager, Alice Hamilton – Registrar, Stephanie Harshberger – Bookstore Manager, Tom Martin – Wellness Director Assistant Director, and Darlene McNemee – Payroll/Insurance Clerk. 

Back to News »

What's Happening At Highland