Olympia, WA – The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) recently released a list of 115 cities, towns, and other local governments that have earned the distinguished WellCity Award. This recognition is bestowed to entities that meet the AWC Employee Benefit Trust’s stringent WellCity standards and demonstrate a commitment to employee health.

“Once again, we are releasing a record-breaking list of employers that place employee health among their core values,” said AWC Chief Executive Officer Peter B. King. “Award requirements reflect a broad-based strategy that supports employee health and productivity, and results in reduced health care costs.”

The WellCity award comes with real rewards. The 115 public employers that met the nine standards will earn a 2% discount on 2018 medical premium contributions. Collectively, these jurisdictions are expected to save more than $3 million.

The AWC Employee Benefit Trust is Washington State’s largest local government employee health benefit pool for cities, towns, and other local governments. It provides health benefits to more than 260 public entities and more than 36,000 employees and family members across the state.

“The WellCity program promotes healthy lifestyles and wise consumer education as key cost containment efforts,” said Beverly Lakey, AWC Employee Benefit Trust Program Manager. “Through each employer, we provide covered individuals with educational tools and resources that encourage healthy behaviors and wise use of health care resources.”

The dividends an employer receives by investing in employee health go beyond the premium discount, Lakey said. Jurisdictions with robust health promotion programs also benefit from improved employee health and report fewer employee sick days, higher morale, and better retention.

“Anytime we can improve employee health and minimize health care costs, it’s a win for the employee, the employer, and the greater community,” King said.

A complete list of the cities and public entities that earned this year’s award can be found here.

AWC serves its members through advocacy, education and services. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that advocates on behalf of cities and towns, provides training, and pooling programs such as the AWC Employee Benefit Trust. AWC created the AWC Employee Benefit Trust in 1969 to assist cities in meeting state-imposed medical coverage mandates for local law enforcement officers and fire fighters.

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Media contact:
Shawna Rice
Communications & Membership Coordinator
shawnar@awcnet.org
(360) 753-4137