HHS SECRETARY MIKE LEAVITT APPLAUDS LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Partnership’s Worksite Health Initiative is Business Forum Focus at U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Washington – Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt today praised Partnership for Prevention’s Leading by Example initiative at a ceremony to mark the unveiling of the latest Leading by Example publication, a joint release on workplace health programs by Partnership for Prevention and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s just the thing that we need,” said the HHS Secretary to a packed luncheon crowd of business leaders at a Partnership co-sponsored event at the Chamber of Commerce’s ornate Hall of Flags. “The Leading by Example publication is of such importance, and I want to congratulate the U.S. Chamber and Partnership for Prevention for all they are doing on this.”

“The CEOs who participate in Leading by Example recognize their role in strengthening both our healthcare system and the bottom line,” said Partnership for Prevention President John M. Clymer, at an unveiling of artwork for the upcoming publication with Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue. “They realize it’s not just a program, it’s not just a benefit; it’s a strategy!”

In his remarks, Secretary Leavitt charted the rising healthcare costs across generations and underscored the need to embrace Leading by Example and other prevention efforts to avoid more problems in the future. “In the next ten years, we’ll have to look back at the last ten years and hopefully see that we have led by example,” said Secretary Leavitt. He also used his visit to the Chamber to highlight HHS’s “transparency” initiative, aimed at providing healthcare consumers with quality and cost data about their healthcare.

The Leading by Example initiative was formed by Partnership for Prevention in 2004. The first Leading by Exampe publication was released the following year and featured 16 CEOs, and three state governors. A “Call to Action” signed by four of the initial participants--along with the publication--was distributed to the CEOs, COOs and human resources vice presidents of the Fortune 500, with the aim of increasing the awareness of executives on employee health management as part of a viable business strategy.

The new publication with the U.S. Chamber – the world's largest business federation— brings the research backing the business case for worksite health promotion together with real case studies. This newest publication features U.S. Chamber of Commerce member companies and CEOs who realize the link between the health of their employees and the health of their organization, and are investing in their human capital. The joint publication features 15 Chamber organizations, both large and small – demonstrating that companies of all sizes can benefit from investments in workforce health.

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