MHealthy is recruiting staff and faculty members through Aug. 17 to serve as MHealthy Champions. These volunteers help support a culture of health within their department, unit or school.
Currently, more than 650 employees across the university’s three campuses and Michigan Medicine volunteer as Champions.
more inforMation
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Email questions to mhealthy-champs
@umich.edu or call 734-647-7888
“What led me to become a Champion was wanting to get my health on track for my parents, children and grandchildren,” says Debora Taylor, patient services assistant in Michigan Medicine’s Briarwood Health Associates. “As I was working on myself, I was also sharing with everyone and anyone who would listen to me.
“My manager asked if I would be the Champion for our health center as I was basically doing it anyway. That was about 10 years ago and I’ve really enjoyed the role ever since.”
Champions serve a two-year term and spend approximately two hours per month on their responsibilities, including:
• Working with an MHealthy Wellness Coordinator to tailor health and wellness activities that best fit the needs of their co-workers.
• Helping to achieve their department or unit’s health and well-being goals.
• Communicating opportunities and encourage participation in healthy activities.
• Gaining universitywide recognition for their areas, while also being recognized personally for their contributions.
• Applying for well-being grants to support their areas’ interests and needs.
“If you are enthusiastic about health and well-being, like to positively motivate others, and want to support and encourage participation in health-related programs and services, we encourage you to apply and help spark change in your workplace,” says Leola Hearing, project specialist for MHealthy.
“Champions get support from MHealthy’s staff, other Champions, and their unit’s leadership to build a healthier work environment.”
“Over the years, I’ve learned that short, fun educating activities get my coworkers excited and involved,” says Taylor.
“I’ve organized a Healthy Lunch Club, walking competitions and a wellness committee, created an MHealthy board in the office that changes every month, served as an Active U captain, and applied for and received a wellness grant to create a small workout space in our area with hand weights, a yoga mat, stretchy bands, a ball and DVDs.”
Anyone who is interested in becoming a Champion should apply by Aug. 17. MHealthy will send an email to the candidate’s supervisor asking to approve participation in the program.
