Wellness matters to all of us. The cost of healthcare in Rhode Island is skyrocketing and we need to something about it. Last year, our healthcare costs rose by nearly 45%. We all agree that this is astronomical. Businesses large and small are suffering the pain of rising healthcare costs. In order to get these costs under control, wellness matters. Take an active role in your company's wellness status. Join the Rhode Island Business Group on Health, The Rhode Island Workplace Wellness Council and the Rhode Island Quality Institute. These 3 organizations are working hard to develop a program so that businesses both large and small can continue to afford healthcare. Let's help them make Rhode Island a model for the rest of the nation. Make your organization a workplace wellness leader. The information below will help you find ways you can participate in this worthy effort.It's time to make wellness matter to all of us.

Rhode Island Business Group on Health

• Personally participate in regular meetings of the new CEO Council (not more frequently than quarterly), which will focus senior private sector leadership in RI on creating the fundamental changes necessary for transforming health care in RI
• Direct a high level executive in your organization with oversight and responsibility for health care policy, benefits and purchasing to represent your organization as a member in the RI Business Group On Health, which will foster a consistent private sector policy and purchasing voice on health issues.
• Support the priorities and policies developed by the Rhode Island Business Group On Health through your organizations policies, benefits packages, and health purchasing strategies.
• Please contact Linn Freedman at 454-1108 or at lfreedman@nixonpeabody.com

Rhode Island Quality Institute

• Consider taking a seat on the Rhode Island Quality Institute Board
• Provide in-kind contributions of expert consultation and participation on Rhode Island Quality Institute committees and work groups.
• Support the implementation of health information technology by making a financial contribution from the following ranges: Supporter at $ 25K, Patron at $50K or Founder at $ 100K.
• Please contact Laura Adams, President and CEO at 274-4564 or at ladams@riqi.org.

Workplace Wellness Council of Rhode Island

• Become an active member of the Worksite Wellness Council of Rhode Island
• Become a “Well Workplace” as certified by the Wellness Councils of America and help Rhode Island become the first well state in the country.
• Design your workplace policies, environment and employee benefits to promote healthy behaviors such as healthy weight, healthy nutrition, physical activity, seatbelt use and no smoking.
• Please visit the website of the Worksite Wellness Council of Rhode Island at www.wwcri.org or contact William Waters, Ph.D. at the Department of Health at 222-2231.