LINCOLN, Neb. – The Bayard Public Schools system was among the award recipients listed when Nebraska Gov. Pete Rickets and the state Department of Health and Human Services announced the 2017 Governor’s Wellness Awards on Monday during a press conference here.
A total of 54 employers, representing 34 communities across the state, were honored for offering evidence-based worksite wellness programs for
employees.
“The businesses recognized today are putting people first and are making the workplace a healthy environment,” Ricketts said. “Worksite wellness provides an opportunity for Nebraskans to live healthy lives, improve quality of life, and help grow a healthier Nebraska for the next generation.”

“Employees clearly benefit from worksite wellness programs and recent health-related outcomes have been significant,” said Judy Martin, Deputy Director of Community and Environmental Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. “In this past year, award recipients increased the percentage of people meeting Surgeon General Guidelines for Physical Activity by more than 16 percent, reduced tobacco use by almost nine percent, and decreased overweight/obesity by nearly three percent. Great work also continues to manage stress and improve culture within these organizations.”
This year marks the 10th year recognizing businesses that dedicate leadership, resources, and time to wellness efforts in the workplace. The application process is designed to recognize businesses that have planted and nurtured the seed for wellness within their organization. Each applicant must provide information in the areas of leadership, data collection, intervention strategies, policy/environment support, and evaluation of
outcomes.
The Governor’s Wellness Award has two categories. The Sower Award recognizes workplaces that have established quality wellness programs; the Grower Award honors businesses and organizations demonstrating significant improvement in employee health behaviors.
Bayard Schools was listed in the “Large Grower” category this year. Including the current winners, 383 total awards have been distributed across
the state.
Awards will be presented to this year’s winners at four separate award ceremonies during the coming months. The award ceremonies will be held in Gering on Sept. 21, Kearney on Sept. 28, Lincoln on Oct. 11, and Omaha on
Nov. 7.