DENVER – Hilltop Community Resources, based in Grand Junction, was awarded the 2015 Governor’s Award for Worksite Wellness at today’s Colorado Culture of Health Conference. The conference was sponsored by the Governor’s Office and the Governor’s Council for Active and Healthy Lifestyles.

“A focus on employee health and wellness is one of the most important investments an organization can make. Hilltop’s exceptional work in Western Slope communities is echoed in its approach to wellness in the workplace. We are fortunate to have employers like Hilltop leading the way in keeping Colorado the healthiest state,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Hilltop’s 647 employees provide direct services to more than 20,000 individuals in Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and Ouray counties. Hilltop was selected from five finalists, including CoBiz Financial, Pinnacol Assurance, East West Resorts, and Sky Ridge Medical Center.

Eligibility for the award is based on successful completion of the Healthy Business Certification through Health Links Colorado. Health LinksTM is an evidence-based program founded at the Colorado School of Public Health that advises, certifies and connects businesses to health and wellness resources.

Employers (private, public, non-profit and government) interested in becoming a Certified Healthy Business can complete an application at www.healthlinkscolorado.org

Applications are scored on the following criteria:

  • Leadership support for health and safety.
  • Assessment of employee needs.
  • Worksite wellness activities including tobacco control, nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and mental health.
  • Safety policies and practices.
  • Communication to promote health and safety.
  • Program reach to off-site workers, temporary employees, and family.
  • Incentives to encourage program engagement.

Founded in 1975, the bipartisan Governor’s Council for Active and Healthy Lifestyles is made up of governor-appointed members and affiliated volunteers who promote active and healthy lifestyles statewide. The council is dedicated to making Colorado the healthiest state in the nation.

Learn more at www.coloradofitness.org