ESU 6 Newsletter
October 2025
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.
Congratulations to Dr. Rayburn on being appointed by Governor Pillen to serve on the ECICC Steering Committee (Early Childhood Interagency Coordinating Council). This prestigious appointment recognizes Dr. Rayburn’s dedication to early childhood development and her commitment to improving outcomes for young children and families across the state.
