UNO Receives 2023 Governor's Wellness Award

Earlier this month, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) was named a recipient of the Governor’s Wellness Award for the Grower Award category honoring businesses and organizations demonstrating significant improvement in employee health behaviors. The award was presented by Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Twenty-seven Nebraska organizations were honored this year for offering evidence-based worksite wellness programs. At a recognition event, Gov. Pillen and Nebraska Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Timothy Tesmer, Ph.D., congratulated award recipients and highlighted the importance of workplace wellness.

“The Governor's Wellness Award recognizes employers who have built a culture of wellness in their workplace," said Gov. Pillen. “An organization's people are its greatest assets, and it makes good business sense for companies to encourage good nutrition and healthy lifestyles through workplace programs. These programs encourage team members to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle."

“Prioritizing health has many benefits. It strengthens the immune system and reduces stress and the likelihood of developing many chronic diseases. I commend this year's winners for investing in the physical and mental health of their teammates," said Dr. Tesmer.

Award-winning initiatives include wellness challenges, wellness plans with goals that have measurable results, as well as programs that reward employees for safety milestones and many other successful efforts.

The Governor's Wellness Award began in 2008. Since then, more than 500 organizations and companies have been recognized for dedicating resources and time to wellness efforts in the workplace. Each applicant provided information in the areas of leadership, data collection, intervention strategies, policy/environment support, and evaluation of outcomes.

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