Dr. Diane Longstreet was recently appointed Vice Chair of the Polk Wellness Professionals.  The Polk Wellness Professionals (PWP)  actually originated before the Building a Healthier Polk Initiative. PWP ‘s Mission is to “ To collaboratively promote wellness leadership and a culture of health in Polk County.” Since the onset of the Building a Healthier Polk Initiative, the PWP has been the primary force behind Strategy 4:”Support the use of evidenced-based employee health promotion/wellness programs to promote healthy behaviors.” Recent progress reported:

In 2014:

• Members met with eighteen of the twenty five Polk County businesses that asked for further assistance with Worksite Wellness. Many are considering starting a program while others are utilizing resources to continue developing current programs.

• A Polk Wellness Professionals Resource book was created and made available to all business owners for health and wellness contacts and services.

• Polk Wellness Professionals launched a website that includes the Resource Book and Lunch and Learn list for local businesses.

In addition to shadowing the current Chair, my role for 2015 will be to assist help developing a Healthiest Polk Employer award, to further promote the implementation of the PWP Resource Kit, and assist with planning a community health fair.