By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Pelham City School System has partnered with St. Vincent’s Health System to bring a specially-designed wellness program to PCS faculty and staff.

With more than 20 years of experience in bringing “wellness to the worksite,” the St. Vincent’s Wellness Program offers tips and programs tailored to the work environment to help school faculty and staff stay healthy, St. Vincent’s Corporate Health Marketing Consultant Dana Meginnis said during a Sept. 29 presentation to the Pelham Board of Education.

“We want to make sure everyone—your educators, your staff—is healthy,” Meginnis said.

Through the partnership with St. Vincent’s, PCS faculty and staff will have access to on-site education programs, such as worksite fitness, stress solutions and tips for packing a healthy lunch. Faculty and staff can also participate in seasonal health challenges such as the summer water challenge, aimed at maintaining hydration, and spring “veggie challenge,” Meginnis explained.

“It not only supports a healthier community, but it also creates a community of accountability” Meginnis said.

The St. Vincent’s Wellness Program will also offer PCS faculty and staff additional screenings, including vision, skin cancer, bone density and flexibility screenings.

“It’s a nice benefit for our employees,” PCS Superintendent Dr. Scott Coefield said.

“They’re simple things to make life better,” Meginnis said of the programs and services offered by the St. Vincent’s Wellness Program. “A healthier workforce is a happier workforce.”