Erie County, in collaboration with the Labor Management Health Fund, Health Now, and Independent Health has been named a “2016 National Best and Brightest in Wellness” winner for creating an employee health and wellness program and fostering a culture of wellness. Erie County is one of over 60 award winners for 2016, joining companies, schools, faith-based groups, and governmental organizations from across the country in building healthier workplaces and communities.

Erie County Personnel Commissioner David Palmer said, “Building a culture of wellness takes a team approach, and I would like to thank our partners at the LMHF, Health Now and Independent Health for their assistance along the way. I also thank our staff, especially Joe Murphy and Patty Brammer, for their leadership and dedication to promoting wellness among our employees. Our fitness center is seeing a lot of use and our employees are seeing the benefits of better health.”

The Best and Brightest in Wellness initiative recognizes and celebrates quality and excellence in health awareness. The program highlights groups and organizations nationwide that make a commitment to promoting a culture of wellness along with planning, implementing, and evaluating efforts in employee wellness to create healthier places to live and work. Erie County’s award-winning health and wellness program features an Employee Fitness Center, Ergonomics Training, Biggest Loser Fit Camp, the Personal Trainer Competition and the “Strive to Thrive” First Responders Program.