Providing Worksite Health Promotion through University-Community Partnerships: The South Carolina Dot Project

Abstract

The occupational health nurse for the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) collaborated with the Schools of Nursing within the state universities of South Carolina to coordinate individual health screenings for the employees of SCDOT. Personal Wellness Profiles (PWP) by Wellsource, Inc., were used to perform the health screenings and included family and personal histories, and assessment of blood pressure, vision, height, weight, total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. In addition, hepatitis and tetanus/diphtheria immunizations and influenza vaccines were provided. Each of the 48 county sites was visited twice during the semester by nursing faculty and nursing and public health students. The first visit was to collect assessment data for screening and provide immunizations. The second visit was to provide individualized analyzed data and health counseling. Of the 5,118 SCDOT employees, 3,141 were screened the first year and 2,315 were screened the second year. Of the original 3,141, only 1,549 elected to participate in the rescreening. Although the average population age was 41, 78.3% were rated at high coronary risk because of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood sugar levels, excessive weight and stress levels, and sedentary lifestyles.