BHS Considers Wellness Center for District Employees

The took bids Wednesday for the creation of a wellness center for employees that could reduce long-term health care costs.

The board issued a request for bids in early February and set a Feb. 29 deadline for responses. Superintendent Rob Glass did not go into specifics during Thursday's board meeting, but indicated there were interested parties.

The wellness center was not on Thursday’s agenda, but Glass said he felt it was important to address some concerns from residents that he learned about via e-mail. Most related to cost and misconceptions that the district was building an on-site health spa for employees.

“The last thing we need are false rumors about that,” Glass said shortly after the meeting started. “We can put that to bed, I think.”

Since the district is self-insured, administration is exploring whether an on-site wellness center will help reduce health-care costs.

“Are we making some kind of luxurious spa for the employees? Absolutely not,” Glass said. “This is an effort for us to be innovative and find ways to control health care costs.”

The plan calls for a three-year pact that could provide services beginning on July 1. The deal can be renewed for two one-year periods. The district seeks a primary care clinic where health-risk assessments, immunizations, physicals, screenings, and even prescription medication can be dispensed. The chosen provider would also create a wellness program that provides education, intervention and incentives for employees that participate. The board will explore options of including such a facility in a current district building, or having it in a full-service clinic provided by the company.

There was no discussion of the costs, anticipated savings or other details Thursday, however Glass said that would be coming and that the idea is in its early stages.

"We're going through the process of seeing what the numbers are. What we learned from the bids that were opened yesterday, we’ll take those and work with the board and community partnership committees before any decisions are made," he said.

District documents state the board will evaluate the proposals and decide at the April 19 meeting.