VCU Department of Human Resources

CommonHealth

CommonHealth is administered by the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM). This initiative provides health and wellness programs and wellness resources to state employees, including VCU faculty and staff and their covered family members over the age of 18 living in their homes. Wage employees and retirees are also eligible for participation. 

CommonHealth programs, events and activities are offered at no charge. To attend programs and to receive program incentives, you may be asked for your state employee ID number. This number is listed on your health plan card and starts with "YTX." (Note: this is not your Banner V-ID number or your VCUCard ID number). Another way to find out your employee ID number is to log on to EmployeeDirect. You will be prompted to enter your Social Security number and other information.

Quarterly program: Think FAST About Stroke

Several hundred thousand people suffer strokes in the U.S. each year. Unfortunately, many will suffer permanent disability or die because few recognize the symptoms or know what to do.  Participants in the Think FAST About Stroke program will learn the sudden warning signs of stroke so they can recognize and respond FAST. Stroke is a medical emergency and a quick and informed response could save a life. Click here to learn more about the program.

Invite Rose O'Toole, VCU's CommonHealth Regional Coordinator, to make a presentation on this topic at staff meetings or on-campus events. Contact work/life@vcu.edu to schedule or for more information.  

Wellness ambassadors

• Become a wellness ambassador  
• Find your wellness ambassador 

Other programs

• Future moms
• Flu shots
• Health check
• Quit for life (smoking cessation) 

Future moms

Expecting? One of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby is to enroll in the CommonHealth Future Moms prenatal program. It’s available at no cost to you, your spouse or your eligible dependents covered in a state health benefits plan.

The Future Moms program helps women have healthy pregnancies and reduce the chances of premature birth. Enroll within the first three months of pregnancy to get the most out of the program. Call (800) 828-5891 for more information.

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Health check 

Confidential health checks are offered every two years - the last checks were held in April 2012. At a screening, participants instantly learn their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, diabetes risk assessment and Body Mass Index (BMI).   

• Blood pressure*
  Blood pressure is measured and recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure, the force against the artery walls when the heart beats; and diastolic pressure, the force when the heart is between beats. People with high blood pressure are at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Total cholesterol*
  Cholesterol is a fat-related substance found in animal foods and oils; however, the liver produces an adequate amount for maintaining healthy cell function. Levels of total cholesterol have been closely related to age, sex, heredity, dietary patterns and percent body fat. High levels can increase a person’s risk for heart disease.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL)*
  HDL is the “good” cholesterol and actually helps clear the blood of excess cholesterol; therefore, a high level (more than 60) of HDL can reduce the risk of heart disease. Factors that increase HDL levels include aerobic exercise, avoiding tobacco products and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Diabetes risk assessment*
  Lifestyle and heredity are strong indicators when trying to predict a person’s risk for diabetes. The nurse will help assess risk by asking a few confidential questions. Understanding what increases a person’s chance for diabetes helps the individual better manage some of those risk factors.

*Results of blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL and the diabetes risk assessment are confidentially reviewed with each participant during the health check screening.

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Quit for life (smoking cessation)

CommonHealth’s Quit for Life smoking cessation program is provided at no cost to employees, spouses and dependents over age 18 who are eligible to participate in the state health benefits program. Once you decide you want to quit, call Quit for Life at (866) 784-8454.

You will be assigned a Quit Coach who will work with you to create a personal quitting plan, which may include nicotine replacement patches, gum or covered smoking cessation drugs. Your Quit Coach can help you decide if one of these products will work for you.

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