The Importance of Worksite Wellness: Spotlight on Kim Roberts 

Employee wellness programs increase employee morale and improve performance at work. Like many organizations and businesses, Putnam County has an employee wellness program, run by Senior Public Health Program Assistant Kim Roberts. Kim honed her skills in connecting people to helpful resources and establishing healthy habits during her nearly 15 years in the WIC program. The WIC program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a place for families to receive breastfeeding support, learn about healthy eating and obtain connections to other services for their family to thrive. After Putnam County’s WIC relocated to Open Door Family Medical Centers, Kim transitioned to the health education division. There, she facilitates health communication with community partners and within the health department and attends community events. Part of her responsibilities also include coordinating the employee wellness program. In this role, she organizes opportunities for learning about physical and mental health, facilitates exercise classes, shares nutrition information, motivates employees, and much more. These varied activities promote overall well-being and can even prevent or manage certain chronic diseases. Continue reading to learn more about Kim: 

What is your favorite part of working at the health department? 

The strong, supportive relationships with my colleagues and the community that I have built over the past 20 years working in the health department.  

Is there a particularly rewarding experience you’d like to share? 

Being recognized and awarded the Putnam County Employee of the Year in 2022. It was gratifying to feel a sense of camaraderie and to be supported at work. 

What does your day-to-day work look like? 

Planning and organizing wellness program activities for employees, such as fitness classes, health workshops, and stress management sessions. Collaborating with other departments to promote and implement wellness initiatives.

Communicating with employees about upcoming wellness events and resources available to support their well-being. I analyze data and feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of wellness programs and make recommendations for improvements.  

What do you wish the public knew about your job? 

We need to work together and make connections to support well-being and promote a healthy community. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?  

Find a job that you enjoy. Finding enjoyment in your work is crucial for your professional success and personal fulfillment.  

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career? 

Finding meaning in your work, how it contributes to the bigger picture, and the impact it has on others is what helps me stay engaged and motivated at work. 

Through Kim’s work in the Wellness program and WIC, she has had a positive impact on the health of many people and families. If you are interested in learning more about how this work relates to chronic disease prevention, read Addendum 3 of the 2022-2024 Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan: https://putnamcountyny.gov/images/Departments/Department_of_Health/PDF_Documents/Putnam_CHA_CHIP_2022-2024_Addendums_2024-FINAL.pdf