Health Promotion and Wellness
Committee l Coaching l Events l Screenings l Testimonials
Brown University is committed to providing health promotion and wellness programs that will enhance the general well-being and quality of life of its employees.
These programs also assist in the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff and complement the current academic enrichment initiatives that are committed to excellence and to maintaining Brown's leadership role in higher education.
Health Promotions Committee (HPC)
As part of the health promotion/wellness program, the University recruited a committee of volunteers to monitor ongoing activities. Committee members represent the diverse constituencies of employees and meet every other month to evaluate current programs and assess and promote new initiatives. The HPC is comprised of the following members:
| Name | Title and Department |
| Doreen Burgers | Director of University Disbursements - Controller's Office |
| Connie Donnelly | Sr. Account Manager - The Health & Wellness Institute of BCBSRI |
| Lynn Dupont | Assistant Director - Health Services |
| Ibrahim Essa | Benefits Communication Specialist - Human Resources/Benefits |
| Edward Goll | Administrative Assistant - Dean of the Faculty |
| Ginger Gritzo | Energy and Environmental Programs Coordinator - Facilities Management |
| Gina M. Guiducci | Administrative Dietitian - Dining Services |
| Linda Laliberte-Cote | Assistant Dean for Public Health - Bio Med Community Affairs |
| Tom Lasater | Professor of Community Health/Director - Institute of Community Health Promotion |
| Drew Murphy | Director of Benefits - Human Resources/Benefits |
| Catherine Theodore | Regional Director, Health & Wellness - UnitedHealthcare |
| Matthew Tsimikas | Assistant Director - Athletics & Physical Education |
Wellness Coaching
Overview l Eligibility l Registration l Highlights
Overview
As part of the wellness initiative at Brown, you can take advantage of the telephonic Wellness Coaching Program to guide you on your wellness journey.
Wellness coaching is similar to having a personal trainer who also helps to address your overall health and well-being. Your coach will work with you to set priorities and draw up a plan that fits your needs.
The wellness coaching team is experienced in all health and wellness topics, including weight management, nutrition, exercise, stress management, smoking cessation, and medical self-care.
Eligibility
The Wellness Coaching Program is available to all Brown University employees, regardless of their health insurance status.
Registration
For more information and to enroll in the program, please call the Health & Wellness Institute at BCBSRI directly at 401-228-1351.
On-Site Events
Benefits/Wellness Fair l Flu Clinics l Blood Drives
Benefits/Wellness Fair
The University sponsors an annual Benefits/Wellness Fair as part of the Open Enrollment activities each fall. All of the University's benefit vendors participate in this event and employees who attend are able to have their individual questions answered about plan and benefits program.
The Fair is sponsored jointly by the President's Staff Advisory Committee (SAC) and the Benefits Office. Benefits staff will be available at the Fair to assist employees with the benefits enrollment decisions.
A flu shot and wellness clinic are also part of this annual event. Appointments are not necessary to take advantage of meeting with representatives of the University's benefit vendors and Benefits Office staff or getting a preventive flu shot.
FLU SHOT CLINICS
Flu shot clinics are held each fall for faculty, staff and students of Brown University at a number of convenient locations on campus and the satellite offices. The schedule of clinics will be announced via the Morning Mail.
While an appointment is not necessary, you must bring your valid Brown ID and, if applicable, your BCBSRI or UHC subscriber card (even if your BCBSRI or UHC coverage is through another employer) in order to receive your vaccination.
If As long as you present your Brown ID, you will be able to receive a flu shot - even if you are not covered by either of these two health insurance providers.
Please note, you cannot receive the vaccine if you are allergic to latex, eggs, or thimerosal. If you are sick or have a fever, you will be asked to delay getting the vaccine until your symptoms are gone.
Blood Drives
Each day Rhode Islanders use almost 300 units of life-saving blood. The Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) depends on volunteer donors to give blood year-round and depends on the blood donations from the faculty and staff of Brown University at several blood drives that take place throughout the year.
Donating blood is safe and simple; the entire process takes about 55 minutes, and all information is confidential. If you have questions and for more information, please call 401-453-8360 or email Danielle Dunn, RIBC's Account Manager, Donor Resources.
No appointments are not necessary, however, you may make an appointment to donate at any RIBC fixed location by calling 1-800-283-8385.
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Screenings
FREE blood pressure checks and cholesterol screenings are available to all employees from the University Health Services.
These preventative screenings are done on Wednesdays between 8:00 am and 9:00 am at Andrews House, 13 Brown Street (x3-3953). Appointments are not necessary.
Based on the results of your initial blood pressure check and/or your cholesterol screening, Health Services staff may advise that you contact your health care provider for follow-up.
Testmonials
"The meeting environments (of the Magic Skill) were structured with a relaxed atmosphere and there was far more focus on teaching life skills rather than calculating and discussing how much weight we had lost."
"The Benefits/Wellness Fair is great! It offers employees the opportunity to have a hand in keeping up with healthy habits."