Since it might not be doable for our location (Owensboro) to have a health clinic would IPC consider a partnership with the Healthpark, (affiliated with the hospital) so that employees may be able to join at a reduced rate. Also, would it be possible to have a walking path located on the property?

As I understand, Healthpark is – essentially – a health system-affiliated fitness center that also offers health screenings and support groups, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. To make a determination with respect to any type of partnership, it would be critical to understand 1) what is being offered; 2) percentage of team members likely to use such services (and frequency of use); 3) benefits to the users and company; and 4) cost vs. value.

Regardless what we do with respect to an opportunity such as this, with increases in health care costs over the past 10 years, we need to make every effort to sharpen our focus on wellness initiatives that provide the best possible health outcomes for our team members. In many companies, as much as 80% of the costs of health care can be tied back to as few as 20% of covered individuals, with many of these health issues – such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, for example – truly “controllable” by the individual. As we look at our health care offerings for 2020, this will be an area of focus.

With respect to the question of a walking path on-site, I believe a far better – and safer – opportunity would be to look at “green spaces” already developed and in close proximity to the Owensboro facility. This would include English Park and Thompson-Berry Park, for example. Onsite walking paths would pose safety risks (due to vehicle traffic) and would not likely generate the usage required to make them economically viable.

Mark Berry, Vice President, People (HR, Safety, & Health Services)