Mississippi Business Journal Honors USM as Healthy Workplace

The University of Southern Mississippi has received special recognition by the Mississippi Business Journal in the publication's announcement of the 2016 Mississippi's Healthiest Workplace Awards. USM was awarded second place in the College or University, Public/Private division.

“It is an honor for the University of Southern Mississippi to be recognized as one of Mississippi's healthiest workplaces,” said Dr. Melissa Roberts, executive director of the Moffitt Health Center at USM. “The BlueCross BlueShield Health is Golden grant has been instrumental in enabling USM students, faculty and staff to become more involved in making healthy lifestyle choices.

In its nod to Southern Miss, MBJ editors highlighted health-driven services and policies such as:

• A fitness and wellness facility on campus (Payne Center)
• A lighted walking trail with outdoor fitness stations
• Dining areas offer healthy options and meals are labeled with nutrition information
• The on-campus Moffitt Health Center provides medical services and a pharmacy
• There is a smoking policy in place that limits smoking to certain areas of campus
• The Office of Health Promotion and Recreational Sports offers health education lectures and activities on a variety of topics to the University community

“It is my hope that employees and patients at USM will continue to take an active role in their own health decisions in order to bring a better understanding about how healthy life choices can improve long-term health outcomes for the State of Mississippi,” said Roberts.

To see a full list of the MBJ Healthiest Workplace winners, visit: http://msbusiness.com/mississippis-healthiest-workplace-awards/