Brookings Health Receives Steps to Wellness Physical Activity Grant

  • September 10, 2015

Brookings Health System’s Employee Wellness Committee was recently awarded a $2,000 Steps to Wellness Physical Activity grant from the South Dakota Department of Health. The grant will be used to implement a worksite physical activity policy and enhance existing worksite physical activity support for employees.

“Regular physical activity benefits health and overall quality of life,” said Registered Dietitian Katy VanderWal, co-chair of the Employee Wellness Committee. “We want to encourage employees to incorporate physical activity in their everyday routines, both at work and at home.”

Plans for the funding include purchasing bike racks, creating maps of walking paths around the facilities, and adding free weights and exercise platforms to the existing employee fitness area.

As one of only 10 grant awardees in the state, Brookings Health System will also receive evidence-based education and resources from the South Dakota Department of Health to successfully implement program initiatives.

Fitness benefits are just one of the perks available to employees at Brookings Health System. Other benefits include a retirement plan; health, dental and vision coverage; life insurance and more. Additional information on employment opportunities can be found on www.brookingshealth.org.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, Arlington Medical Center, White Medical Clinic and Volga Medical Clinic. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.