At Cleveland Clinic, we have a strong history of leadership in the wellness sphere. We have a designated Chief Wellness Officer, New York Times best-selling author and Wellness authority, Dr. Michael Roizen, and we've established a Wellness Institute, responsible for implementing wide-reaching wellness programs that aggressively advocate healthy living and remove possible barriers to this end.
As one of the world's most respected academic medical centers, we see first hand the consequences of certain preventable conditions and their effects on the healthcare system. The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute is dedicated to helping our patients, our community members, and our employees achieve optimal well-being and a high quality of life. We do this by combining world-class medical care and quality wellness programs to change unhealthy behaviors and to make healthy life choices.
Cleveland Clinic Wellness Timeline
- July 2005: Designated all Cleveland Clinic campuses smoke-free
- January 2007: Offered free smoking cessation services to all Cuyahoga County residents for six months
- February 2007: Banned trans-fats from all public and patient menus
- May 2007: Began converting vending machines to replace unhealthy food items with healthy snack choices
- September 2007: Stopped hiring smokers
- November 2007: Created the country's first Chief Wellness Officer position, with the appointment of Michael F. Roizen, MD
- January 2008: Established the Wellness Institute
- May 2008: Began free yoga classes for employees
- July 2008: Launched weekly farmers market for employees and community
- August 2008: Implemented free Weight Watchers services for EHP member employees
- October 2008: Welcomed first class of Lifestyle 180 participants, a lifestyle modification program for patients with chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease
- November 2008: Initiated free memberships to Curves and Cleveland Clinic-owned fitness centers for EHP member employees
- January 2009: Rolled out GO Foods healthy labeling in all Cleveland Clinic cafeterias
- August 2010: Banned sugared beverages from all cafeterias and vending machines
*Cleveland Clinic has approximately 37,000 employees, and more than 27,000 are Employee Health Plan (EHP) members.
Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute in National Headlines
TIME Magazine's annual health issue takes a close look at the prevention philosophy at work – and it focuses on wellness initiatives at Cleveland Clinic.
