At the beginning of 2023, Vanderbilt Health Employer Solutions (VHES), which provides workforce health and wellness services to businesses of all types and sizes, launched the Vanderbilt Health Employer Advisory Council. The VHES team created the council to bring Tennessee employers together to discuss common challenges and develop solutions that improve the overall health of the communities where they live and work.
"The council fosters peer-to-peer collaboration, shares national and regional thought leadership opportunities, discusses trends and challenges, and works with Vanderbilt Health on innovative, value-based health care solutions," said Brent McDonald, Senior Vice President, Vanderbilt Health Employer Solutions and Strategy.
The Employer Advisory Council is just the latest example of how Vanderbilt Health prioritizes relationships with regional employers and continues to strengthen connections that were developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. "It has been a privilege to work in partnership with so many business leaders who truly care about the short-term and long-term health and well-being of their employees," McDonald said.
Setting the Tone
At the first meeting in February, the 16 members introduced themselves and explained why they joined the council, then reviewed the council’s purpose and goals for the year. The council reviewed survey results to guide the agenda of future sessions, with such topics as emerging cost issues, new models of value-based care and the shifting employer landscape in Middle Tennessee rising to the top. Members were also interested in discussing how social determinants of health and health equity are becoming greater priorities for benefit design.
A common theme that emerged was the importance of ”right care, right time, at the right place.” Members were eager to begin collaborating with other business leaders and learning lesson they’ve learned, barriers they’ve overcome and innovative ways they’re improving the health of their employees.
David Hines, executive director of benefits for Metro Nashville Public Schools, is council chair, and Cindy Dempsey, director of total rewards for Genesco, is co-chair. The group's next meeting is May 23 at Meharry Medical College.
