County wellness program holds midseason giveaway as employees near 150-mile mark

Yellowstone County hosted a midseason giveaway Aug. 5 for Walking Montana, the county's employee wellness challenge that asks participants to walk 300 miles over three months.
Linda, a county program representative, told commissioners the initiative — part of the county’s Focus on Fitness umbrella — launched in February 2008 and promotes social, physical, emotional and occupational wellness. "Walking Montana is a program that challenges our employees to walk 300 miles in 3 months. June through August 31. And the midway point, they should have about 150 miles by the July," Linda said.
Linda said participation has reached "about 20 to 25% of our employees," which she characterized as above the national average. As part of the midseason event, commissioners drew names for prizes; winners announced during the meeting included Michael Kelso (Deputy, Sheriff's Office), Brooke Miller (YCDF), Anya Silverson (Detention), Amy Mills (Human Resources), Brandy Butler (Extension), Ingrid Rosenquist (County Attorney's Office), Maria Reinke (Human Resources), Jeremiah Holine (YCDF), Russell Dickerson (Motor Vehicle) and Jonathan Klim (YCDF). The county also plans a final drawing at the end of the challenge.
Linda thanked the commissioners for their support and encouraged employees to participate; she and one speaker reiterated a recruitment note: "Apply today on our website." The program representative also listed regular Focus on Fitness offerings, including annual wellness screenings in September, on-site flu shot clinics and employee trainings. The board expressed appreciation for staff who run the program.