In recognition for the strides made in employee health, Henry County was awarded $5,000 in funding from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.

The award, given specifically for health promotion and wellness, was one of 50 that are given statewide.

“This is the second time we’ve received [the funding],” said Tara Eberhart, director of human resources. “We will use the funds to implement wellness programs and to host wellness events that will be beneficial to county employees.”

Eberhart said the ultimate goal is to better the levels of employee health and morale.

“Which will, in turn, reduce healthcare cost and sick days, and this will result in savings for taxpayers,” said Eberhart.

Henry County has been a member of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia since 1994.

In that time period, strides have been made with employee wellness such as Gold’s Gym challenge, an online health assessment, Weight Watchers at Work, bowling outings, March of Dimes walks and stress management classes.

Both garnered significant feedback, said Eberhart, along with another program done.

“We held an ergonomics at work assessment for employees to learn how to set up their workstation more comfortably,” she said.

“Additionally, employees were also asked for input on what types of wellness programming they would like to see.

Eberhart is also working closely with the association to create more programming.

An employee form the county will be sent to one of their workshops to learn about wellness programs that have proven successful in other counties.

Henry County learned of being granted the funding two months after applying for it in May.