Gulf Coast Village named Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite by American Heart Association

Gulf Coast Village has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite for its leadership in promoting health and well-being within the workplace, and its efforts to provide employees with healthy choices and an overall culture of wellness.

“Employee wellness is a top priority for our team at Gulf Coast Village, and we are extremely honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association as a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite,” said Kevin Ahmadi, executive director of Gulf Coast Village. “Just as we strive for the residents of our community to remain both active and healthy, we are equally committed to providing our employees with the resources they need to make healthy choices. We couldn’t be prouder of our staff for maintaining healthy lifestyles that promote their ability to live longer, healthier lives.”

The American Heart Association recognizes employers who go above and beyond to promote better health among employees. Applicants are judged based on three criteria of physical activity support, healthy eating options and the promotion of a wellness culture in the workplace. A gold level designation requires a company with a minimum of 25 employees to meet at least six physical activity criteria for offering workers support for physical activity, two nutrition criteria for promoting healthy food options and one culture criteria.

Gulf Coast Village implements a variety of strategies to promote wellness within the community for both employees and residents. Gulf Coast Village encourages members of the community to take an active approach to their health by offering exercise classes throughout the week, sending daily wellness tips to guide employees on their wellness paths, posting motivational signage throughout the community, providing chair massages periodically, housing a community-run garden for employees and residents to upkeep, and recognizing national health observances, such as National Walking Day, American Heart Month and National Nutrition Month. Gulf Coast Village’s dining department is also committed to providing healthy dining options and nutrition education, and the community’s pastoral staff actively promotes a culture of both physical and spiritual wellness.