This year, the Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) hosted its third annual Well-Being Fair, an event aimed at promoting health and wellness among faculty and staff. The fair took place on February 10 and was organized by several CUIMC departments, including Human Resources, the Office of Well-Being, the Office of Engagement, Retention and Growth, Pediatrics’ POWER program (Promoting Overall Well-Being, Engagement, and Resilience), as well as leadership from CUIMC’s four schools.
Sony Jean-Michel Thornton, senior human resources business partner and one of the event organizers along with Sherley Desulme Willis, said: “This is our third annual Well-Being Fair, and we’re excited to see how these fairs have fostered partnership and strengthened well-being among our faculty and staff.”
Approximately 340 employees attended this year’s fair. Since its inception, more than 1,100 faculty and staff have participated in CUIMC’s Well-Being Fairs.
Timed to coincide with American Heart Month in February, the fair included activities focused on heart health such as a Zumba class for physical activity promotion, blood pressure screenings to encourage cardiovascular awareness, and hands-only CPR demonstrations. Merona Hollingsworth from the Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation Center led these CPR sessions. She stated: “For anyone in an emergency response situation, hands-only CPR is often the first line of survival. I’m here to make this knowledge accessible to everyone.”
The event also offered workshops covering a variety of topics related to employee well-being. Nina Heyman, director of the Office of Well-Being at CUIMC said: “What I want people to take away from this event is the wealth of resources available for every aspect of well-being, whether financial, physical, mental or emotional health. We are here to support you.”
Attendees had access to services such as massages and acupuncture sessions. They could also enjoy heart-healthy snacks or interact with therapy dogs for relaxation.
Kristiene Recto from the Department of Epidemiology at Mailman School of Public Health shared her experience: “I learned about acupuncture and realized that needles are NOT scary. I also received NARCAN training and tools so I could help an overdose victim. I feel confident that I could help someone in that situation. And honestly I didn’t know CUIMC offered so many different things to support employee health. I think it’s great.”
In addition to this main event on February 10th, CUIMC’s Division of Cardiology marked American Heart Month by holding a separate Heart Health Fair for faculty and staff on February 19.
