Members of the Southcoast Worksite Health & Wellness Collaborative enjoyed a presentation by DPH Worksite Wellness Coordinator Shioban Torres, DrPH, MPH, on November 12, 2015 covering the new Massachusetts Wellness Tax Credit as well as the Working on Wellness Program. The first program gives small businesses, under 200 employees, a state tax credit of up to $10,000 for having an employee wellness program. The second program helps Massachusetts employers successfully develop, implement and sustain policies and program to create a supportive work environment and enable employees to engage in healthy behaviors. "Both of these programs can really help employers move ahead to provide positive wellness programming at their worksite," stated Partners Worksite Coordinator and Collaborative Chair Angie Bras. Monthly Collaborative meetings are frequently held at the Sylvia Insurance Company headquarters on Faunce Corner Road in North Dartmouth and offer presentations on a number of topics related to worksite wellness. Click here for a 37-minute video of Dr. Torres' presentation and here for her PowerPoint slides. Click here for videos of previous presentations. Anyone planning to attend is asked to RSVP Chairperson Angela Bras at 774-400-4466 or to contact Dr. Torres directly at DPH at 617-624-6065..

(Top row) YMCA Southcoast Diabetes Prevention Program Director Dara Midwood talks with Collaborative Chairperson Angela Bras before the session begins as LaFrance Hospitality Wellness Director Rene Dufour looks on. (Middle row) Massachusetts Department of Public Health Worksite Wellness Coordinator Shioban Torres explains what the Worksite Wellness Tax Credit is and how organizations can apply for it. (Bottom row) Angela Bras poses a question at the end of the session, and Bob Espanola,and Linda Schick of the Town of Fairhaven talk with Ms. Dufour at the end of the meeting.