The designation recognizes companies that inspire and encourage organizational well-being and are part of the association’s “Wellness Lives Here” initiative. To become a Health Champion, organizations must meet healthy living criteria in three different areas: nutrition and weight management, physical activity, and organizational well-being.

“Our employees are our greatest assets, and we want them to live healthier and less-stressful lives,” said Susan Jacobs, Newport News’ vice president of human resources and administration. “In order to help our employees, we have taken a holistic approach to ensure that our workforce and their families have access to the tools, information and education they need to help them make healthy lifestyle choices.”

In 2014, HII launched a major benefits and wellness initiative designed to provide its employees with health and wellness options beyond primary care physician visits. Part of this initiative involved opening HII Family Health Centers at the company’s Newport News and Ingalls Shipbuilding divisions. The Family Health Centers are operated by QuadMed, a third-party vendor, and are available to eligible employees and their dependents. These employees and dependents also have access to Teladoc, a telemedicine program that allows patients to talk to board-certified physicians via telephone, mobile app or computer. Another aspect of the benefits and wellness initiative is HII’s tobacco-free incentive program, which offers discounted health care rates for employees who do not use tobacco.