Health Promotion and Wellness
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. Please refer to the topics listed below for more information:
Weekly Screenings: Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
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 | Account Manager - The Health & Wellness Institute of BCBSRI |
| Lynn Dupont | Assistant Director - Health Services |
| Ibrahim Essa | Benefits Communication Specialist - Human Resources/Benefits |
| Ginger Gritzo | Energy and Environmental Programs Coordinator - Facilities Management |
| Jim Hutchison | Senior Financial Analyst - Bio Med Business Affairs / Financial Services |
| Jean Kapetanios | Regional Director, Health & Wellness - UnitedHealthcare |
| Linda Laliberte-Cote | Assistant Dean for Public Health - Bio Med Community Affairs |
| Tom Lasater | Professor of Community Health/Director - Institute of Community Health Promotion |
| Frances Mantak | Director, Health Education - Health Services |
| Peter Mello | Data Manager/Computing Coordinator - Public Affairs and University Relations |
| Norman Morse | Shipping/Receiving Supervisor - Bookstore Administration |
| Drew Murphy | Director of Benefits - Human Resources/Benefits |
| Barbara Niekerk | Department Coordinator - Judaic Studies |
| Matthew Tsimikas | Assistant Director - Athletics & Physical Education |
Special Programs and Events
ANNUAL 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.
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 Peter Hanney, RIBC Manager of Donor Recruitment.
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 CHECKS AND CHOLESTEROL SCREENING
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.
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.