By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The City of Decatur is putting together plans for a Health Fair for its employees.
The idea of such a first-time event was unveiled at city council’s latest meeting.
Mayor Dan Rickord said he and Clerk-Treasurer Kevin Hackman have been talking to Adams County Memorial Hospital officials of staging a health fair.
“From our standpoint, it’s about having healthy employees” the mayor said.
Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, Inc. (PHP) would help fund the health fair, which would be for all full-time city workers.
Some incentives are planned, such as a half-day off for those getting a heart scan, and perhaps a vacation day for full participation and a follow-up exam.
Rickord stressed, however, that participation “would be totally voluntary.”
Councilwoman Jenny Bowers-Shultz, an RN (registered nurse) gave her full support to the idea. “I really like to give incentive for people to invest in themselves,” she said.
An ordinance “pertaining to employee incentives or recognition” was approved by council. The ordinance, City Attorney Anne Razo said, “will give the mayor some discretionary authority” as the effort moves forward.