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More than 750 organizations recognized for creating a workplace culture of health

(NewMediaWire) - October 28, 2020 - DALLAS - The results of the American Heart Association 2020 Workplace Health Achievement Index are in, recognizing 776 organizations for creating a culture of health and investing in the health of their workforce. The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, commends these organizations for their commitment to creating a work environment built on science-based policies and programs.

The Index is a web-based scorecard that looks at organizational best practices and aggregates employee health data to evaluate the overall quality and comprehensiveness of workplace health programs. Of the organizations that completed the Index assessment, which evaluated the time period of July 30, 2019 to June 30, 2020, 35% received gold recognition, the highest percentage to date, 29% silver and 25% bronze. Recognition designations are determined by the degree to which organizations adhere to science-based best practices, as well as the overall heart health score of their employees. In addition, organizations receive benchmarking reports to help identify areas to improve.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a bright light on overall health and the growing divide of health equity,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “I am inspired by the growing number of organizations who are doubling down to prioritize employee health through flexible and engaging programs that put health and well-being at the center, especially during these trying times.”

The Index was created in 2016 by the Association’s CEO Roundtable— a leadership collaborative that has grown to more than 45 members who collectively represent more than 13 million employees and their family members— to implement evidence-based approaches to workplace health, empowering employees and building stronger corporate cultures.

“If this year has taught us anything, it’s that supporting the health and well-being of the workforce should be a critical priority for leaders everywhere,” said Alex Gorsky, Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson and co-chairman of the Association’s CEO Roundtable. “We are proud to be a part of a program like the Workplace Health Achievement Index that offers organizations an innovative, science-based tool they can use to help improve their employees’ health and well-being.”

“The American Heart Association is an important ally for businesses in prioritizing the health and well-being of their workforces,” said Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America and co-chairman of the Association’s CEO Roundtable. “At Bank of America, we have taken extensive steps to care for the health and safety of our more than 200,000 teammates this year. Amid this global health care crisis, there has never been a more important time to put employee health and well-being at the core of what we do every day.”  

The Index also integrates Life’s Simple 7®, the American Heart Association’s definition of ideal cardiovascular health based on seven risk factors, into the scoring process. Life’s Simple 7® includes smoking status, physical activity, weight, diet, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure.  

The American Heart Association offers a suite of science-based, evidence-informed tools and services to help organizations build and maximize effective cultures of workplace health. For more information, visit www.heart.org/workplacehealth.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1223

Erin Kanter: 214-706-1223; erin.kanter@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org