Risk Reduction offers OHIO employees a safe place to prioritize their wellbeing

September 6, 2021

Benefits-eligible employees and their spouses/partners are encouraged to consider the Risk Reduction program this fall as an avenue for prioritizing one’s wellbeing. 

“Risk Reduction is a challenge to one’s personal status quo,” reflected the Risk Reduction program coordinator, Josh Christen.

“Unlike typical health-related programs like this, participants don’t need a doctor’s referral or even a diagnosis of any significant health risk,” continued Christen.  “The only prerequisite is the desire to explore self-growth.”

The fall team begins the week of September 20th, 2021.  Benefits-eligible employees and/or spouse/partners are eligible to participate. Eligible participants may participate once in the Risk Reduction 2.0 program. Cost in 2021 is $0.00 thanks to support from the OHIO Benefits Office.

The Fall 2021 cohort will participate in: 

• Exercise "prescriptions"
• Weekly team meetings (Via Microsoft Teams)
• Up to four individual nutritional counseling sessions with a Registered Dietitian (either in-person or virtual)
• Mindfulness Meditations (Via Microsoft Teams)
• Access to the Risk Reduction library of resources about physical activity, nutrition support and stress management. 

The program, which is built on the philosophy that a healthy, active way of life is the best prevention against chronic disease, is being offered in Fall 2021 at no cost to participants.

Valued at several thousand dollars’ worth of services, this program is typically offered at an up-front fee of $300.  While individuals could earn a reimbursement of those funds by participating in program components, the fee was still a deterrent to some individuals. The decision to eliminate the up-front fee was made in an effort to allow wellbeing to become more accessible to employees, regardless of economic status.

“Our employees have spent the better part of the past two years on overdrive, trying to take care of their students, homes, families, and jobs, largely at the expense of their own wellbeing,” said Jenn Bennett, Executive Director of Wellbeing. “So, this program being offered at no cost will, hopefully, be a game changer for those individuals looking for some support.”

Interested participants can complete the RR 2.0 Interest Form. The program manager, Josh Christen, will verify your eligibility and email you additional details. Space is limited. Participants will be accepted in the order in which they confirm their willingness to participate.