CTK Health & Wellness Center - Making Positive Impact
In 2013, the City of Covington opened the CTK Health & Wellness Center in collaboration with Kenton County for its employees as a way to help streamline healthcare costs to the City. The CTK Health & Wellness Center is managed by CareHere [link] which operates more than 160 health and wellness centers in 22 states.
The Center, located in the Kenton County Building at 303 Court Street, is just minutes from City Hall. Employees, and covered dependents, can utilize the center for a variety of services ranging from treatment of both acute and chronic conditions, annual physicals, lab work and much more.
From an employer's perspective a significant advantage of this service is the positive impact on the City's finances. Pre-employment drug screens and physicals are now handled through the CTK Health & Wellness Center, which has demonstrated a significant reduction in pre-employment expense costs.
Previously, the City of Covington was paying $44.00 for pre-employment drug screening. Consequently, by utilizing the CTK Heath & Wellness Center for pre-employment drug screening, the cost has been reduced to $9.50, a net savings of $34.50 per screening. The costs incurred by the City are broken down by utilization, thereby allowing the City to only incur such expenses for services actually rendered.
The cost of medications and supplies are also split on the same percentage. In effect, if covered employees/dependents utilize the health center 50% of the time, then whatever the cost of the supplies and medications amount to will be split by the same percentage. The occupational health services (physicals, drug screens etc.) are based on a per unit cost.
During the time frame from May 22, 2013 through May 22, 2014, the City of Covington's utilization increased exponentially to 53.71%. Currently, from January 1, 2015 through February 1, 2015, the City of Covington's utilization has increased to 76.71%, a substantial increase since the Center's inception.
Health and wellness centers are gaining traction nationally and fast becoming best practice for municipalities. Looking at local organizations and City governments within the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area, CareHere centers are expanding. The City of Florence opened their own health and wellness center located within their City Hall on December 12, 2013. As a result, the City of Newport and Meyer Tool's interest has spiked, culminating with a collaborative agreement to utilize the facilities. As of December 8, 2014, Rosedale Green has signed on to join the inter-local agreement with the City of Covington and Kenton County on December 8, 2014, following the agreement of the City of Newport, who joined the inter-local agreement with the City of Covington and Kenton County on March 3, 2014.
Maggie Volkering elected to the Executive Committee of the Northern KY Safety Net Alliance
Maggie is a Special Programs Administrator for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Division of the City.
Formed in June 2007, the Safety Net Alliance is a collaboration of social service agencies and other entities committed to providing effective and efficient emergency assistance to Northern Kentucky residents in need. The Safety Net Alliance of Northern Kentucky was established to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of safety net services provided to Northern Kentuckians in need. The collaborative includes large and small non-profit and faith-based organizations, public agencies, educational institutions, and funders.
Supervisor Kim Phillips said, "We are thrilled that Maggie is participating in a leadership role on this Committee. Her dedication and passion for what she does is a real asset to the community and no doubt she will bring that energy to the Safety Net Alliance. She's a real team player."
Renaissance Covington Wins Devou Good Grant
Congratulations to Renaissance Covington, the City funded nonprofit focused on urban revitalization, who won the Devou Good Grant. This summer, Renaissance Covington will be giving a major facelift to the underpass at Pike and Russell. This project includes new lighting fixtures, a paint job, and the installation of a Zen Rock Garden in the middle triangle. Look for profiles on each organization and details of the projects to come soon.
Join our Team - Current Job Openings
If you are passionate about community and willing to work with a committed team of people passionate about Covington, please take a look at these openings and apply to join our team!
Marketing & Communications Director
Part-Time Park Ranger
Municipal Groundworker
Payroll Specialist
Summer Recreation Program
Seasonal Laborer
Firefighter
Police Officer