Western recognized as fit-friendly university

The Western Washington University Faculty & Staff Wellness Program has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly University by the American Heart Association for helping employees improve their wellness.

“Physical activity and employee wellness are important priorities at Western. We are honored and excited to be recognized by the American Heart Association as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly University,” said Kaylee Nightingale, Health Promotion specialist. “We’re committed to providing the best workplace environment possible. This will benefit our employees’ health and produce continued positive results for our university overall.”

Chyerl Wolfe-Lee, director of Western’s Human Resources Department, said the award-winning program affirms the university’s commitment to promoting good health among its employees. Western’s Faculty and Staff Wellness Program, which is part of Western’s Human Resources Department and the Division of Business and Financial Affairs (BFA), offers faculty and staff a range of exercise and wellness programs.

The program has garnered three honors in just the past six months. In addition to being a Platinum Fit-Friendly University, Western was also the first university in the state of Washington to achieve Washington Worksite Wellness designation, and has also been given the prestigious statewide award of the Golden Apple.

Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly employers: offer employees physical activity options in the workplace; educate on healthy nutrition options; promote a wellness culture in the workplace; implement at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture, and demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.