October 28, 2005

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Working in partnership to encourage public employee health and wellness, the DOP and the Department of Health and Senior Services sponsored the first coordinated walk and fitness challenge aimed at State employees.

Working Well NJ (WWNJ), a partnership between the DHSS and DOP, provides the vehicle to educate and encourage public employee health and wellness. Through this partnership, a series of events and informational sessions have been held across state agencies to educate public employees on the importance of health and wellness. This one-mile walk is aimed at encouraging public workers to incorporate a fitness program into their daily lives, and kicks off a six week Fitness Challenge.

“We're challenging government employees to take their health in their own hands, and to
exercise just 30 minutes a day over the next six weeks,” said Commissioner of Personnel Rolando Torres, Jr. “A healthy workforce not only improves government services, but also improves the lives of our employees, their families and their communities.”

As part of the Fitness Challenge, each department is encouraging its employees to sign up and make a commitment to fitness. The department with the highest percentage of participants will receive an award from the Governor next May, at the Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony.

A critical component of WWNJ is the development of alliances with some of the largest and most highly regarded non-profit health agencies in the country. These agencies, including the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, the YMCA Statewide Alliance, among others, were on-site at the Walk and Fitness Challenge to offer valuable wellness information to State workers.

In coordination with the walk in Trenton, State agencies outside of Trenton hosted their own walks, including: the NJ Board of Public Utilities in Newark, NJ; the Department of Corrections in 12 facilities throughout the state; the Department of Human Services at Quakerbridge and Greystone; the Department of Transportation in Ewing Township; and the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs in Vineland and Paramus.

For more information regarding WWNJ, go to http://www.state.nj.us/personnel/wellness/index.htm

Press Release