The line trickled out the door of American National Insurance Company’s wellness center as employees of the Galveston-based company waited for their turn to complete a health risk assessment. Several hundred ANICO employees took part in the multi-day health screening event, which was provided by UTMB staff and included a self-guided online health survey and an in-person height and weight check, blood pressure check and blood draw.
“This is the first time we’ve brought these services to ANICO’s doorstep and people are excited about it,” said Jeremy Brynes, UTMB’s associate vice president for Health System Business Development. “Employees don’t have to take time off from work to get a health screening done because we are doing it right here on-site.”
UTMB provided the health screenings to ANICO employees over six days in April as part of the insurance company’s employee wellness campaign. The screenings were offered free of charge in Galveston and League City.
Several UTMB departments helped run the screenings, including Emergency Services, Patient Access and Laboratory Services. Pamela Cruz, a nurse manager for the Emergency Department at UTMB’s Galveston campus, said getting a health risk assessment is an important tool to help people take charge of their well-being.
“Health screenings provide a good indicator of a person’s current health status and allow them to be an active participant in their own health care,” said Cruz. “If a screening comes back abnormal, it can encourage them to take initiative and follow up with their primary care doctor if necessary and start making healthier decisions.”
Brynes noted the long relationship between UTMB and ANICO, as many of their employees and leaders already use UTMB physicians and services. He said it was only natural to partner in this effort, as well.
“UTMB and ANICO are two major employers in the Galveston community, so this is a great partnership to build,” said Brynes. “Many ANICO employees already have some type of relationship with UTMB – and for those who don’t, now that they have gotten their screenings done by us, hopefully they will feel comfortable getting more of their care done right here on the island, as well.”