Albany Area Briefs – Aug. 8, 2015

Phoebe Putney honored for employee wellness efforts

ALBANY — Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital has been recognized as a 2015 Gold-Level Fit-Friendly workplace by the American Heart Association for its efforts to promote a wellness culture for its employees that includes physical activity support and increasing healthy eating options at work.

“We are honored and excited to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our efforts in creating a fit-friendly work environment. At Phoebe, we are dedicated to improving not only the health of our patients, but also our employees by providing programs that encourage positive choices and healthy lifestyles,” said Julian Maddox, wellness manager at Phoebe Healthworks.

To qualify for the gold level achievement, employers must have at least 25 employees, and, implement a minimum of six physical activities, two nutrition and one culture criteria.

Maddox said Phoebe is committed to providing an environment that promotes health and wellness to their employees. In addition to all facilities being tobacco-free, Phoebe employees and their family members have access to HealthWorks, a state-of-the-art wellness center that offers a variety of programs.

Rep. Scott schedules town hall meeting in Tifton for veterans

TIFTON — U.S. Rep. Austin Scott is hosting a town hall meeting for area veterans on Wednesday at the UGA Tifton Conference Center from 2-4 p.m.

The event will begin with a meet and greet session to allow veterans to talk with Scott, Al Bocchicchio, director of the VA regional office in Atlanta, and Mary Alice Morrow, director of the Carl Vinson Medical Center in Dublin. Veterans will be able to write questions down on cards before the town hall begins and the panel will address as many as possible.

The program will also include an open forum for veterans to receive individual assistance from VA representatives at various outreach tables. Information will be available on housing, mental health and medical care.

For additional information, call Scott’s Tifton office at (229) 396-5175.