Nichole Hall and Sydney Bristol accepting award from Governor Jim Pillen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT
Alycia Davis, (402) 471-1449, alycia.davis@nebraska.gov

Gov. Pillen Honors 2025 Governor’s Wellness Award Recipients

Lincoln, NE — Governor Jim Pillen honored 21 Nebraska businesses with the 2025 Governor’s Wellness Award, highlighting their evidence-based worksite wellness programs. These programs focused on preventive care, chronic disease management, mental health support, and targeted interventions, leading to improved outcomes and reduced health risks. These worksite wellness programs encouraged family participation and offered services such as biometric screenings, health coaching, and Mental Health First Aid training.

“Since this program began in 2008, 561 Nebraska businesses have been honored for going above and beyond to create health-focused work environments. These employers recognize that well-being is more than just physical health—it also includes mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellness,” said Gov. Pillen. “By investing in their people, they are building stronger teams, reducing preventable health issues, and creating a workplace culture where employees feel valued and supported.”

2025 Governor's Wellness Award Winners 

Sower Award (taking initial steps to encourage workplace wellness)

  • Associated Staffing

  • Bennington Public Schools

  • Tri Valley Health System

  • Clarkson College

  • Educational Service Unit 9

  • First State Bank Nebraska and First State Insurance Agency

  • Red Cloud Public Schools

  • Security National Bank of Omaha

  • Two Rivers Public Health Department

  • Zoetis

Grower Award (enhanced wellness programs positively changing employee health behaviors)

  • Educational Service Unit 2

  • Educational Service Unit 4

  • Educational Service Unit 6

  • Lexington Regional Health Center

  • McCook Community Hospital

  • National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

  • NEBCO

  • Nebraska Department of Correctional Services

  • Nebraska Public Power District

  • Nemaha County Hospital

Harvester Award (reaping benefits of an advanced wellness program with high-quality outcomes)

  • Nebraska Medicine

The Governor's Wellness Award is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council, part of the Panhandle Public Health District. For employers interested in starting a wellness program, or enhancing an existing one, contact Nicole Berosek at 308-279-3496 or nberosek@pphd.ne.gov. To learn more, visit https://pphd.my.canva.site/pwwc-website.