Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross has received CEO Cancer Gold Standard™ accreditation, recognizing the organization’s commitment to taking concrete actions to reduce the cancer risk of its employees and their families through screenings, early detection, and healthy changes in lifestyle and in the workplace.
The CEO Roundtable on Cancer is a nonprofit organization of cancer-fighting CEOs founded in 2001 to encourage corporate executives to champion workplace-based efforts to eliminate cancer as a public health threat. To distinguish companies that take steps to reduce cancer risks among their employees, the Roundtable created the CEO Cancer Gold Standard™ in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and leading health professionals.
“Our Gold Standard certification acknowledges the dedication of Independence Blue Cross to cancer prevention, which begins with building the health of its employees and family members and extends to strengthening the wellbeing of its members and the broader community,” said William C. Weldon, chairperson and chief executive officer of Johnson & Johnson, who chairs the Roundtable.
The CEO Cancer Gold Standard™ calls for companies to evaluate their health benefits and corporate culture and take extensive, concrete actions in five key areas of health and wellness to fight cancer in the workplace. To earn Gold Standard accreditation, a company must establish programs to reduce cancer risk by discouraging tobacco use; encouraging physical activity; promoting healthy diet, and nutrition; detecting cancer at its earliest stages; and providing access to quality care, including participation in clinical trials.
In addition to providing a tobacco-free workplace, a health-conscious menu in its cafeteria, and a fitness center at its headquarters, Independence offers an associate wellness program, I Feel Great!, which provides resources to support the health of associates. The company also actively promotes its Connectionssm Health Management Program that encourages associates to take an active role in their health and helps those who have everyday health concerns or serious chronic conditions. Additionally, Independence enhanced its employee health benefits to cover smoking cessation medication.