RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) is recognizing the week of August 19 through August 23 as Employee Health and Wellness Week to emphasize the importance of corrections team members prioritizing their health and well-being.
Throughout the week, the Employee Health and Wellness Unit will offer different activities for staff members, while also encouraging VADOC facilities, district offices, and employee units to create activities promoting dimensions of wellness, such as physical well-being, emotional well-being, and financial well-being.
The Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) Unit at the VADOC launched in 2022 and promotes a safe work environment that protects the health and wellness of VADOC employees, helping them to further the Department’s mission of ensuring long-term public safety across the Commonwealth. The EHW Unit also provides employees with education, programs, and resources tailored to health and wellness needs.
“With the Virginia Department of Corrections being the largest state agency in Virginia, it is paramount to ensure all employees have the support and resources needed to excel in their roles as excellent public servants,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. “The Employee Health and Wellness Unit does a fantastic job working with employees to make sure they are well-equipped for life both at work and at home.”
The mission of the Employee Health & Wellness Unit is to coordinate and implement innovative and evidence-based holistic health and wellness presentations, trainings, and events that promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being. The Unit embraces eight different dimensions of wellness: Emotional, intellectual, physical, social, financial, spiritual, occupational, and environmental.
“We are encouraging our corrections team to prioritize their health and wellness this week and every week,” said Senior Health and Wellness Coordinator Carrie Baines. “From personal experience, it can be challenging to juggle responsibilities at home and work and find time to focus on my overall well-being. We hope the EHW Week will give employees tips on incorporating well-being throughout the day by making small changes.”
Throughout the year, the Employee Health & Wellness Unit offers weekly challenges, activities, presentations, and resources for the more than 11,000 VADOC employees throughout the Commonwealth.
