MCC receives a Gold Healthy Arizona Worksites Award

MESA, Arizona — July 28, 2020 — Mesa Community College receives a Gold Level Healthy Arizona Worksites Award in recognition of its employee wellness efforts.

To achieve this recognition, MCC was evaluated based on how it tracked and documented outcomes and behavioral changes. According to the HAWP website, “Gold level programs have demonstrated institutional support and have integrated worksite health programs with business policies and benefits. Their programming is data and outcomes driven.”

The Healthy Arizona Worksites Program, established by the Arizona Department of Health Services, is offered as a community benefit through the Maricopa County Department of Health. The program builds evidence-based healthy workplaces through training, tools and resources that employers can use to establish successful workplace health programs.

“This recognition of MCC’s outstanding employee wellness program is tied directly with the efforts of our employee wellness champions, Jim Haggerty and Gail Herndon,” said MCC Interim President Lori Berquam, Ph.D. “MCC has fostered a culture that prioritizes health and wellbeing, both on campus and in the remote work environment. We took our on-campus mile-long group walk, the Mesa Mile, to a virtual format early in the pandemic. We continue providing our employees with healthful resources, reminders and encouragement through videos, emails and listening sessions.”

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892

The Healthy Arizona Worksites Program (HAWP) is a statewide program that provides Arizona employers with training, technical assistance, tools, and resources to design, implement, and evaluate worksite wellness initiatives. HAWP also works to create linkages between Arizona businesses engaging in healthy worksite efforts so they can learn from each other and share experiences.

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning throughout its 50-year history. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, and at its two campuses and additional locations. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming the ways it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment or advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and more than 50% of its students are the first in their family to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and more than 30 out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.