HHS releases $10 million for workplace wellness programs

The Department of Health and Human Services announced yesterday that $10 million has been made available to employers to fund workplace health initiatives (Source: “HHS announces $10 million for workplace prevention programs,” The Hill (blog), June 23, 2011).

"Spiraling healthcare costs and declines in worker productivity due to poor health are eroding the bottom line of American businesses," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. "This new initiative will help companies of all sizes implement strategies to improve employee health and contain health costs driven largely by chronic diseases."

The money comes from the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which was created as part of the Affordable Care Act.

Applications for the Comprehensive Health Programs to Address Physical Activity, Nutrition and Tobacco Use in the Workplace"are being accepted until Aug. 8, 2011.