NKCH & MH Awarded "Healthy KC" Platinum Level Certification
November 15, 2022Categories: PRESS RELEASE
North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health have earned “Healthy KC” Platinum Level Certification from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. The Workplace Wellness Certification Program evaluates employer efforts to address the health and wellness needs of their employees in promoting a healthy workplace. This marks the third consecutive time NKCH and MH achieved the highest level of certification.
Launched in 2008, the NKCH and MH Employee Wellness Program helps employee participants get healthy while earning rewards. The program also is suited to each employee’s healthy journey.
“At NKCH and MH, we value employee wellness,” said Leia Darden, MPH, wellness coordinator. “Our goal is to help employees shift from putting themselves and their health on the back burner. When they prioritize their own health, they can provide better care for our patients.”
NKCH and MH Employee Wellness Program participants receive free health assessments and lab screenings. They have access to dieticians, diabetes educators, an ergonomic specialist and other benefits. Many have had wonderful outcomes, including increased energy levels, weight loss and improved overall health. Those completing a series of wellness challenges can earn incentive payouts of up to $500 each year. Of the 2,160 employees in the 2022 program, 385 received a wellness payout.
“The relationships employees have with physical activity, nutrition, mental and emotional well-being, financial literacy and environmental health are all part of the holistic view of wellness,” Darden added. “Each is always in relationship with the other. That Healthy KC takes a similar approach is a testament to our efforts.”
About North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health
For more than 60 years, North Kansas City Hospital has been the Northland's preferred healthcare provider. Our mission is to provide hope and healing to every life we touch.
NKCH is an acute care facility with 451 licensed beds and 550 physicians representing 49 medical specialties. From our award-winning cardiovascular and orthopedic programs to our cancer, emergency, neurosciences, spine, women’s and other services, we provide a lifetime of care.
Through our Meritas Health subsidiary, NKCH offers the largest network of physician practices in the Northland, with more than 280 primary and specialty care doctors and advanced practice providers in 35 convenient locations, including an express care clinic in the 64th Street Hy-Vee store.
Our accreditations demonstrate our commitment to providing quality healthcare, including:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet®designation
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services four-star rating
- The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval® and certification for Comprehensive Cardiac Center, Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement, and Primary Stroke Center
Our oncology partnership with The University of Kansas Cancer Center provides patients with access to clinical trials and state-of-the-art radiation therapy.
Our mission, vision and values reflect a strong commitment to the health and well-being of our employees, the Northland community and beyond. U.S. News & World Report ranked NKCH High Performing in 10 procedures and conditions and named NKCH a Best Regional Hospital. Forbes honored NKCH as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers, ranking NKCH the top midsize hospital and health system in the Kansas City area and No. 148 midsize company in the nation.
Each year NKCH serves more than 24,000 people through its dynamic Community Health & Wellness programs.