Schuylkill committee gets credits for wellness

Schuylkill County’s Wellness Committee has again been awarded nearly $19,000 in “wellness credits.”

The county garnered $18,599 in 2019. Capital Blue Cross, the insurance carrier for Schuylkill County courthouse employees, rewards counties which have reduced claims by instituting wellness programs.

During a meeting Wednesday, the Schuylkill County Commissioners approved the Wellness Committee’s proposal for using the funds.

The monies will be used to establish a walking program, and also a “lunch and learn” program focusing on wellness issues.

The Wellness Committee consists of 24 county employees from various departments and agencies. The committee also offers free health screenings for full-time county employees.

In another matter, the commissioners approved the annual report from Schuylkill Community Action, which is the administrative agency for the affordable housing trust fund board.

Dave Young, Schuylkill Community Action, presented the report.

Young said the affordable housing trust is funded by monies collected by the county Recorder of Deeds office.

In 2019, nearly $4.1 million was collected. The monies are used for homeowner rehabilitation projects, homeowner financial assistance and other programs for county residents which meet certain income requirements.

“The programs improve the quality of life for people who need it,” Commissioner Gary Hess said. “It’s an outstanding program.”