In the Community

A company wellness program can expand its impact by looking beyond the workplace for strategic resources. Local nurse educators, dietitians, physicians, pharmacists, and other health care or allied professionals can be recruited to lead workshops or offer health screenings.

Community organizations also are valuable resources. For example, local chapters of Lions Clubs International often support health education and outreach, as well as blood pressure and eye disease screenings, in their communities.

National nonprofit organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association provide publications, sponsor events, and offer tips and techniques for getting and staying healthy that can be incorporated into your workplace wellness program.

As your program takes shape, consider becoming a resource in your own community by sharing your challenges and successes with other local businesses and at professional association meetings.

Diabetes at Work provides a kit of resources to use when offering a collaborative community program about diabetes and corporate wellness efforts.