The Healthy Business Challenge hosted by Healthy Washington County ran January-June, 2020. During this time, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the work of many businesses, but several organizations in the community retained their dedication to supporting the health and wellness of their employees throughout these uncertain circumstances. Organizations who participated in the challenge were able to earn a Healthy Business designation by earning at least 5 points in each of the following categories: Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Overall Wellness.

Congratulations to the following organizations that earned a Healthy Business designation in the 2020 Healthy Business Challenge: The Arc of Washington County, Martin’s Food Markets, Meritus Health, University System of Maryland at Hagerstown, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc., Washington County Health Department, Western Maryland Hospital Center, and YMCA of Hagerstown.

Special recognition goes to the winners of each size category in the challenge who earned the most points in their size category:

• Small (1-99 employees): Washington County Commission on Aging
• Medium (100-399 employees): Western Maryland Hospital Center
• Large (400+ employees): Meritus Health

The 2021 Health Business Challenge will run January 1 – December 31, 2021. Businesses can sign up now at healthywashingtoncounty.com/healthy-business-challenge. All businesses achieving a minimum of 10 points per category will receive a Healthy Business designation. After the challenge, awards will be presented to those businesses achieving the highest number of points in each size category and that go above and beyond in creating a healthier business environment.

Healthy Washington County also encourages local organizations to pledge as a Go for Bold partner at healthywashingtoncounty.com/go-for-bold and to promote the Go for Bold Weight Tracker to their employees.

If you have any questions, please contact Hannah Person at hannah.person@maryland.gov or 240-313-3357.

Join us for a virtual meeting to celebrate the 2020 Healthy Business Challenge winners and kick off the 2021 Healthy Business Challenge on Tuesday, December 22nd at 12:00pm! Anyone interested in learning more about the Healthy Business Challenge or signing up is welcome to participate! The challenge is open to any organization with a location in Washington County, MD.

Participants in the 2020 challenge will have the opportunity to share ideas their organization implemented during the challenge with other businesses.

Please email hannah.person@maryland.gov if you would like to attend.