CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive) honored Ameritas with its annual Partner in Health Award at the organization’s Annual Meeting on Aug. 22. The award recognizes those that actively promote the ongoing awareness of health and wellness and serves as a model of how individuals, commerce, government or industry and the health sector interact to improve the quality of life for those in the community. Ameritas received the award in honor of its United Way/CHAD campaign contributions in Lincoln and the organization’s commitment to the health of its associates.
Ameritas has consistently been a strong supporter of the United Way/CHAD campaign in Lincoln. Jim Barone served as Tocqueville Chair for two years before leading the campaign last year as Chair. Larry Keiter, United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County Board member, and his wife, Laura, are the current Tocqueville Chairs for the 2019 United Way/CHAD campaign. Many other Ameritas associates have supported the campaign cabinet over the years, as well.
Last year, Ameritas was the No. 2 workplace campaign in Lincoln; ranked third for RUM (Resources Under Management) dollars; and had the largest number of Engage. Empower. Graduate. supporters. Overall, employee contributions increased 6%, employee RUM increased 8% and the number of leadership dollars increased 8%. As Chair, Barone took personal leadership and truly drove the success of the 2018 campaign.
In addition to the support for the United Way/CHAD campaign in Lincoln, Ameritas was recognized for promoting the health and wellness of its associates, which it does in a variety of ways. One way Ameritas supports well-being objectives is through its Five to Thrive program, which allows its associates to earn incentives for doing well-being activities. Additionally, Ameritas offers a 52-week coach-led program called Real Appeal, which focuses on weight loss/weight management and diabetes prevention. As of June, Ameritas participants had lost a total of 2,081 pounds, the size of a bison.
“Ameritas has shown its commitment to the Lincoln community through its support of the United Way/CHAD campaign and by caring about the health and wellness of its associates. We are honored to present our valued partner this award in recognition of this achievement,” said Mark Feit, CHAD Lincoln Director.