Virtua recognized for workplace efforts to prevent cancer
Virtua has been re-accredited by the CEO Cancer Gold Standard, recognizing the health system’s commitment to reduce cancer risks for its employees. The CEO Cancer Gold Standard accreditation from the CEO Roundtable on Cancer is reserved for companies that meet or exceed rigorous requirements, and puts Virtua in the company of Johnson & Johnson, The Lance Armstrong Foundation, and Duke Medicine.
“We work hard to provide the best resources possible to our employees, including smoking cessation, weight loss and fitness programs,” said
Richard P. Miller, Virtua President and CEO. “From the beginning, Virtua has sought ways to keep our employees healthy, and this accreditation reaffirms that commitment.”
The accreditation is part of an intense process. To earn Gold Standard accreditation, a company or organization must establish programs to reduce cancer risk through discouraging tobacco use, encouraging physical activity and teaching diet and nutrition, detecting cancer at its earliest stages, and providing access to quality care and clinical trials.
“We are pleased to recognize the efforts of these organizations in the fight against cancer, starting with improving the health and wellness of their own employees,” said
William C. Weldon, chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, who chairs the CEO Roundtable on Cancer. “I hope the commitment demonstrated by these organizations will encourage other employers, large and small, to become Gold Standard accredited.”
Highlights of Virtua’s employee wellness programs include implementation of a totally tobacco-free environment for patients, employees and guests. Participants in Virtua’s walking challenge have logged tens of thousands of miles. The word “wellness” has been elevated to a strategic imperative for all of Virtua’s food service vendors, resulting in healthier cafeteria menu selections and nutritional education. Employees enrolled in weight loss programs have shed tons.
Statistics show that these efforts have a tangible impact. The American Cancer Society estimates that at least half of all cancer deaths can be avoided and programs such as those established under the guidance of the CEO Roundtable help reduce cancer mortality.
As one of New Jersey’s largest health systems, Virtua helps people be well, get well and stay well through a comprehensive range of health care services. Services are delivered through three health and wellness centers, three fitness centers, four acute care hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices with more than 240 physicians, urgent care centers, seven ambulatory surgery centers, home health services, two long-term care and rehabilitation centers, 12 paramedic units and a wide range of outpatient services. A leader in maternal and child health services, Virtua delivers almost 8,000 babies a year. Virtua also provides employment and wellness services to 1,700 businesses and corporations. An innovator in clinical and information technology such as electronic medical records, Virtua is recognized for its ground-breaking partnerships with
GE Healthcare,
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the
Fox Chase Cancer Center. It is the official orthopedic provider for the
Philadelphia Flyers. Virtua employs more than 8,400 people and has been honored as the #1 Best Place to Work in the Delaware Valley for seven consecutive years. It is the recipient of the Consumer Choice Award from the National Research Corporation. For more information, visit
www.virtua.org or
www.virtuabroadcastnetwork.org.