Pacific Bell’s Health Promotion continues providing the programs described in the 1995 award application on a voluntary, no-change basis.  The program’s objectives were expanded to include ergonomics, return-to-work, Work Hardening program expansion, flu shot trial, advance directives, prevention capabilities study of healthcare providers and pharmacy efficacy analysis. 

The program’s mission targets improved employee capability, reduced absenteeism, and health care cost containment through: 

- development of an integrated health promotion approach involving educational, organizational and environmental changes.  This approach targets active and retired employees as well as dependents.  Programs are staffed by skilled health professionals including occupational health nurses, exercise physiologists, social workers, safety and administrative experts. 
  
- delivery of ongoing programs which inform and motivate employees and families to adopt positive health behaviors and sustain changes.  Examples of modes used to accomplish this include: 
One-on-one delivery:  Ergonomic workstation evaluations, coronary risk management, return-to-work and weight management. 
Educational:  Back care, breast health, smoking cessation and prenatal. 
Employee-initiated:  Health Information Program (toll-free hotline) and Health and Safety Video Library. 

- analyses and improvement of programs to ensure contribution to shareholders, business and client expectations.  Programs are designed to meet the Human Resources strategies of reduced absenteeism and health care costs containment.