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Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Paul Lloyd Birmingham Water Works (205) 244-4154 Birmingham Water Works to Open Health and Wellness Center for Employees Health care costs cut by as much as 12% (BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – December 9, 2011) – The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to open a Health and Wellness Center for Birmingham Water Works employees during today’s regular Board meeting. The Health and Wellness Center is part of an upcoming strategy to help improve the overall health of the BWWB’s workforce and to help lower health care costs. One of the primary intents of this health and wellness center is to help address critical aspects of health and wellness among BWWB employees, management says. Officials also say another important objective of the center is to provide employees with direct access to physicians, disease management, primary and acute care and maintenance and prevention services. “Several studies, many which benchmarked our utility against other companies, including Montgomery Water Works, were conducted before approving a plan that best fits our employees’ needs,” says BWWB General Manager Mac Underwood. “Ultimately, the plan we decided on should help reduce health care delivery costs by as much as 12% over a five-year period. It will also make access to physicians more convenient and less expensive for our employees.” Benefits to employees include no co-pay and free generic prescription drugs. Benefits to the company include lower health care delivery costs and improved employee health. For more information about the BWWB Employee Health and Wellness Center and other current events at Birmingham Water Works, visit www.bwwb.org and click on the “Current Events” tab. Founded in 1951, the Birmingham Water Works serves 600,000 people in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties. For more information about your Birmingham Water Works Board, please call us at (205) 244-4000 or visit our Web site at www.birminghamwaterworks.com. ### BIRMINGHAM WATER WORKS EMPLOYEE HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER KEY FACTS WHAT IS IT?n The BWWB Health and Wellness Center is a health care center for BWWB employees and their families. WHERE WILL THE CENTER BE LOCATED?n The BWWB Health and Wellness Center will be located within easy access for BWWB employees. HOW WILL THE CENTER WORK?n Hours of operation: The BWWB Health and Wellness Center will operate 30 hours per week around employees’ work schedules. n Services provided: Employees will receive primary and acute care, health maintenance and prevention, disease management, occupational health and pharmaceutical services. n Cost: Annual check-ups, office visits and generic prescriptions will be free for employees. WHO WILL THE CENTER BENEFIT?n BWWB Employees: § Easier access to primary physician care § Less wait time § No co-pay and FREE generic prescriptions n BWWB as a Company: § Reduced health care delivery costs § Improved health of work force § Higher employee satisfaction IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?n Employee health care centers have been implemented in other companies around the U.S., including Montgomery Water Works. n A rewards program will be available to help motivate employees to improve their overall health.
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