Lexington, Nebraska, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Lexington Regional Health Center (LRHC) has been recognized with the Governor’s Wellness Award – Grower Level for its exceptional commitment to employee health and wellness. The award reflects LRHC’s innovative workplace wellness programs that focus on preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health support. At the award ceremony held at the Nebraska State Capitol, LRHC representatives highlighted their efforts in promoting family participation through various health initiatives. The honor is valid for three years, with LRHC planning to reapply in the future.
Lexington, Nebraska — Lexington Regional Health Center (LRHC) has been honored with the Governor’s Wellness Award – Grower Level on September 23, 2025. This recognition highlights the organization’s strong commitment to enhancing employee health and wellness, underscoring its role as a pioneer in fostering a culture of wellness in the workplace.
The Governor’s Wellness Award is a prestigious accolade presented by the State of Nebraska, acknowledging businesses that have made significant strides in promoting a healthy work environment. The award seeks to identify workplaces that embody innovative wellness initiatives and show measurable progress in employee participation.
The award ceremony took place at the Nebraska State Capitol, where Brenna Bartruff, LRHC’s chief communications officer, represented the organization. She was joined by Kristina Peterson, the hospital’s director of quality and co-chair of the LRHC Wellness Council, who also played a pivotal role in the hospital’s wellness programs.
This year’s Governor’s Wellness Award recognized a total of 21 Nebraska businesses, all of which have implemented effective, evidence-based worksite wellness programs. These initiatives focus not only on preventive care but also on chronic disease management, mental health support, and targeted interventions tailored to meet the specific needs of employees. LRHC’s wellness programs have also encouraged family participation, incorporating services such as biometric screenings, health coaching, and Mental Health First Aid training.
Moreover, the Governor’s Wellness Award remains valid for three years, and LRHC is planning to reapply for the award in 2026 to continue its commitment to employee wellness and health. The initiative aligns with a broader trend observed since the award’s inception in 2008, during which time it has recognized over 561 Nebraska businesses for cultivating health-focused work environments.
In his address at the ceremony, Governor Jim Pillen emphasized the comprehensive nature of well-being, which transcends physical health and encompasses mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellness. He noted that the investments businesses make in the health of their employees result in stronger teams and reduced health risks. Investing in wellness not only benefits employees but also enhances overall workforce productivity and morale.
As more organizations adopt and implement wellness programs, the trend toward prioritizing employee health continues to gain momentum throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Governor’s Wellness Award?
The Governor’s Wellness Award is an accolade presented by the State of Nebraska to recognize organizations that demonstrate a commitment to improving employee health and wellness through effective workplace programs.
How long is the Governor’s Wellness Award valid?
The award is valid for three years, after which organizations can reapply to demonstrate continued commitment to employee wellness.
What types of initiatives qualify for the Governor’s Wellness Award?
Initiatives typically include programs focused on preventive care, chronic disease management, mental health support, and targeted interventions. They often encourage family participation and may include services such as health coaching and biometric screenings.
Chart Summary of Award Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Award Name | Governor’s Wellness Award – Grower Level |
| Eligibility | Nebraska organizations committed to employee health |
| Award Validity | Three years |
| Key Focus Areas | Preventive care, chronic disease management, mental health support |
| Services Offered | Biometric screenings, health coaching, Mental Health First Aid |
| Year Established | 2008 |
| Total Businesses Honored | 561 since inception |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Lexington Regional Health Center News
- Wikipedia: Employee wellness
- Jamestown Canyon Virus Found in Mosquitoes
- Google Search: Governor’s Wellness Award
- Gothenburg to State Semis News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wellness
- Fitness Center Grant News
- Google News: Employee Welfare
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
