UNF honored with ‘Healthiest Company Award’ for the twelfth consecutive year by First Coast Worksite Wellness Council

The University of North Florida has been awarded the Platinum Level Award for the 2020 Healthiest Companies by the First Coast Worksite Wellness Council. This is the twelfth consecutive year that UNF has received the Healthiest Company award.

As a Platinum Award winner, UNF is recognized for its outstanding commitment to a healthy environment and its noteworthy strides to improve the health and wellbeing of its campus community. The award underscores the strides that the Healthy Osprey initiative is making and serves as a positive reminder that a collaborative, integrated approach can optimize the holistic health of the University community.

Highlights of UNF’s many ongoing campus wellness initiatives include:  

• Healthy Campus Week: In conjunction with Partnership for a Healthier America, UNF hosts Healthy Campus Week every September to highlight and promote the University’s health and wellness resources and services. The week features events that provide a holistic view of UNF’s wellness offerings including mindful meditation workshops, themed yoga lessons and a hands-on experience in picking fresh salad from the on-campus Ogier Gardens. 
• Mental Health First Aid Training: UNF’s Department of Recreation and Wellness, in partnership with Mental Health America of Northeast Florida, has certified over 60 UNF faculty, staff and students in Mental Health First Aid trainings. This 8-hour course trains participants with key skills in aiding someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis and concludes in a 3-year certification.
• National Nutrition Month: UNF’s wellness dietitians celebrate National Nutrition Month each March by collaborating with various departments to increase student knowledge regarding healthy food choices and eating habits on campus. This year’s Nutrition Month celebration included a total of 28 events and several social media campaigns with over 1,000 participants. 

The First Coast Worksite Wellness Council, Inc. is an initiative of Healthy Jacksonville 2020 and a is community leader in supporting workplace health and wellness programs. The Platinum Level award was based on program offerings, services and performance in the following categories: health behaviors, safety, physical activity, nutrition/weight management, mental health, organizational policies and prevention.

The award will be presented at a virtual conference during the week of September 21, 2020.