The Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) is pleased to announce its partnership with Marshall University College of Health Professions and the Marshall University Research Corporation for the administration of PEIA’s Pathways to Wellness worksite program.
According to PEIA Director Ted Cheatham, “For years, PEIA has been working on the development of a full continuum of prevention, health promotion and disease management services. We view this new partnership with Marshall as a logical extension of that effort which will further enhance the best possible outcomes.”
Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp said he is very pleased and proud that PEIA has chosen to collaborate with the university to aid in the prevention of some of the most pressing health problems confronting our state and region. “The Marshall University College of Health Professions has the requisite resources to provide worksite wellness and healthy lifestyle programming which will improve the quality of life for thousands of West Virginians,” Kopp said. “The support provided by PEIA offers great promise to help strengthen the health and wellness of public employees and their organizations."
This unique collaboration will assist PEIA-participating employers in implementing practice-based prevention and wellness strategies that will lead to specific, measurable health outcomes, according to Dr. Michael W. Prewitt, dean of the College of Health Professions. “Our college is well suited for this effort as we have undergraduate and graduate programs in exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and dietetics, physical therapy, nursing, social work and public health,” Prewitt said. “This collaboration will complement the educational goals of our college while creating opportunities to make and sustain health improvements. This is truly a win-win situation for everyone.”
Sharon Covert, Marshall’s newly appointed Supervisor of the PEIA Pathways to Wellness program, said these programs will include worksite wellness services to be delivered to PEIA worksites through nine regional health promotion consultants throughout the state of West Virginia. “Classes on fitness, nutrition and stress management will be offered as well as lifestyle coaching services, research and promotion of the various programs offered by PEIA,” said Nidia Henderson, Health Promotions Director of PEIA. “We want to promote good health through prevention, reduce chronic illness and disability and improve productivity outcomes for public employers throughout the state.” For more information on PEIA’s programs and services, visit www.peia.wv.gov