Flagler Schools Unveils New Wellness Center
On July 8, Flagler Schools celebrated the grand opening of its new Wellness Center, a transformed gym located at the former Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club. The newly established health clinic features three examination rooms, a lab, a medication dispensary, a reception area, and a break room, making it a comprehensive health facility for district employees.
A Commitment to Employee Wellness
Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore emphasized the quality of the new facility, stating, “This is probably the nicest wellness center you’ve ever been to.” This opening is more than just a ribbon cutting; it signifies the district’s commitment to improving employee well-being.
Available Services
Even before its official opening, the Wellness Center had already served 40 school district employees and is now managed by Marathon Health, a leader in employee wellness programs across the United States.
Joshua Walker, the Human Resources supervisor who led the initiative, remarked, “This is a game-changer for us.” The center offers a wide range of services, including primary care, chronic condition management, lab work, generic medications, and virtual mental health and nutrition counseling, all free for employees enrolled in the district’s health insurance plan.
Efficient Health Care
Marathon Health’s Micah Moughon highlighted the center’s efficiency, noting that more than 40% of visits are scheduled for the same day or the next day. “This is the way health care should be run,” he stated, reinforcing the facility’s commitment to timely and effective care.
Qualified Medical Staff
Sheri Hahn, a Flagler County resident and family nurse practitioner, is the primary provider at the Wellness Center, supported by two medical assistants employed by Marathon Health. “We chose Ms. Hahn from a list of finalists provided by Marathon,” said Walker, emphasizing the thorough selection process to ensure high-quality care.
Optimizing Employee Benefits
School Board Chair Will Furry expressed pride in the project, stating that the finished Wellness Center “far exceeded our expectations.” He highlighted the transformation of the space into a vibrant facility that serves a meaningful purpose, stating, “We transformed this space to something that’s active again, something alive, something with purpose.”
Elisabeth Dias, President of the Flagler County Educators Association, noted the importance of providing excellent benefits to district teachers and staff, given the current interest in employee wellness.
Financial Impact
During the decision-making process last year, Everside Health (now merged with Marathon Health) estimated that the total first-year cost for the Wellness Center would be approximately $825,000, with a five-year cumulative cost of around $3.7 million. However, the projected savings from reduced employee insurance claims could total $7.8 million over five years.
Future Engagement and Usage
The success of the Wellness Center hinges on employee engagement and utilization. Walker urged department heads to promote the center’s benefits among employees to drive down emergency room visits and enhance overall health outcomes.
Community Involvement
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by several key figures, including School Board members Christy Chong, Lauren Ramirez, and Derick Barrs, as well as Superintendent Moore and Assistant Superintendent Angela O’Brien, signaling a unified commitment to the health and well-being of the Flagler Schools community.
Flagler Schools Unveils Innovative Wellness Center
On July 8, Flagler Schools proudly inaugurated its new Wellness Center, revitalizing the gym of the former Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club into a dedicated health facility. This transformation includes three examination rooms, a lab, a medication dispensary, a reception area, a lobby, a break room, and office space, providing an all-encompassing healthcare environment.
Community Impact and Leadership Praise
Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore expressed her enthusiasm during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, stating, “This is probably the nicest wellness center you’ve ever been to.” Her remarks reflect the center’s quality and commitment to providing top-tier health resources to its employees.
Comprehensive Services Offered
The Wellness Center, already serving over 40 school district employees prior to its official launch, is operated by Marathon Health, a recognized leader in employee wellness nationwide. Joshua Walker, the Human Resources Supervisor who led the initiative, hailed the center as a “game-changer” for the district. Services include primary care, chronic condition management, lab work, generic medications, and virtual mental health and nutrition counseling—all available at no cost to employees enrolled in the district’s health insurance plan.
Efficient Healthcare Delivery
Marathon Health’s Micah Moughon highlighted the center’s efficiency, noting that over 40% of patient visits are scheduled for the same day or the next. This agile approach emphasizes a modern healthcare model focused on accessibility and prompt care, which is a significant shift from traditional healthcare delivery.
Qualified Medical Staff
The Wellness Center is staffed by Sheri Hahn, a family nurse practitioner, along with two medical assistants from Marathon Health. Walker elaborated on the selection process, stating, “Marathon gave us a list of finalists for the provider position, and we chose Ms. Hahn.” Her local residency adds a personal touch to the care offered, fostering a deeper relationship with the community.
Commitment to Employee Well-Being
School Board Chair Will Furry remarked on the project’s success, declaring that the facility “far exceeded our expectations.” He emphasized the transformed space as one that is “active, alive, and purposeful,” showcasing the district’s commitment to supporting the well-being of its employees and their families.
Cost-Effectiveness and Future Savings
During discussions about the Wellness Center’s approval last year, estimates indicated that the first-year operational cost could reach approximately $825,000, totaling a five-year projection of $3.7 million. However, potential savings from reduced employee insurance claims could amount to $7.8 million over five years, making the center a financially viable investment for the district.
Encouraging Employee Utilization
Walker urged department heads to raise awareness about the benefits of the Wellness Center among staff. Increasing employee usage of the facility will not only enhance individual health outcomes but also significantly reduce emergency room visits, affirming the center’s valuable role within the district.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Furry, Board members Christy Chong, Lauren Ramirez, and Derick Barrs, along with Superintendent Moore and members of the school community, marking a significant milestone for Flagler Schools.
