Tyson Pilots Program to Open Health Centers for Employees
As part of efforts to boost the overall health and wellness of its workforce, Tyson Foods, Inc. is partnering with Marathon Health to pilot seven “Bright Blue” health centers near company production facilities, according to a Tyson release. The health centers will give Tyson team members and their families easier access to high-quality healthcare and, in most cases, at no cost.*
The health centers, operated by Marathon Health, provide primary and preventive care, including health screenings, lifestyle coaching and health education, as well as behavioral health counseling. They also coordinate with plant community health providers, including primary care physicians and specialists, to make sure appropriate care is delivered.
Tyson reports that naming the health centers, “Bright Blue,” is intended to convey the outlook of a bright future thanks to easily accessible healthcare and the company’s familiar heritage color, blue.
The first health center opened April 28 in Dyersburg, Tenn., near the company’s facility in Newbern. Additional pilot locations will be opening in Green Forest, Ark.; Lexington, Neb.; Wilkesboro, N.C.; Center, Texas; Storm Lake, Iowa; and Garden City, Kan. These seven locations will serve nearly 38,000 Tyson team members and their families.
“We’re piloting these health centers to promote a culture of health and wellness in our company that results in a healthier workforce,” said Dr. Claudia Coplein, chief medical officer for Tyson Foods. “Some of our frontline team members aren’t using their health plan benefits, and others don’t seek care until there’s a crisis. We want to change that by providing access to care that can help detect health conditions early and promote healthy habits.”
The clinics will work in conjunction with plant community health providers, including primary care physicians and specialists, to ensure appropriate care is delivered, the release said.
The pilot health center project is an expansion of Tyson’s current workplace safety and is an addition to existing health services staff, which includes on-site occupational health nurses at most plant locations.
The health clinics are the latest in a series of measures Tyson has taken to invest in the health and wellness of its employees. Since spring 2020, the company has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to transform its U.S. facilities with protective measures, the release said.
To date, more than 40,000 Tyson Foods employees have been vaccinated at more than 100 events held onsite at Tyson facilities or in nearby community facilities. In preparation for vaccinations, Tyson said the company has been providing expert resources and education about the vaccine to team members.
*Team members enrolled in a high deductible health (HDHP) plan will pay a fee for visits until deductible is met. This applies to less than 2% of eligible team members.
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