October 1, 2019 10:00 a.m.
The Oregon Department of Human Services office in Roseburg has become a Blue Zones Project Umpqua Approved Worksite.
A release from DHS and Blue Zones said the state agency recognizes the benefits to both employers and employees of workplace programs that promote and support health and wellness. In 2015, DHS developed a policy that allows employees to participate in a workplace committee.
In March of 2019, the Blue Zones Project Wellness Committee formed at the Roseburg DHS office. Currently this committee has 23 active members participating each month, with representation from Self Sufficiency Programs, Child Welfare Programs, and Aging and People with Disabilities. The committee has worked over the past seven months to reach Blue Zones Project Approved status as a worksite.
Allen Sjogren, branch operations manager for DHS Self Sufficiency Programs said he heard about Blue Zones 18 months ago and decided to get serious about it. He said he read the book, started eating healthier, joined Weigh Watchers and started running. Sjogren has since lost 70 pounds, has lowered his blood pressure and has run three races this year. He said “the Blue Zones movement has changed my life for the better”.
John Dimof, Organization Lead for Blue Zones Project Umpqua said DHS’s efforts have been comprehensive and inclusive, resulting in a culture around health that is broadly identified with across departments.
The milestone of becoming a Blue Zones Approved Worksite will be celebrated at DHS on West Harvard, on Thursday October 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Representatives from Blue Zones Project Umpqua will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the achievement.