Free health clinic shows commitment to workers
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, March 15, 2010
GALAX, Va. —
Beyond plowing money into its plants to stay successful as a domestic supplier, Vaughan-Bassett also has invested in another key asset — its employees.
“We believe we have the best work force in the world in Galax, Va. and also in Elkin (N.C.),” said Doug Bassett, executive vice president and chief operating officer.
“One of the reasons we have such a tight bond with our hourly workers is they have seen us fight to stay an American manufacturer. They appreciate our commitment to doing everything in our power to make furniture here in the U.S. and we have been repaid by their wonderful work ethic and performance throughout the years,” he said.
One way the company seeks to keep those workers happy and healthy has been to offer them access to a free medical clinic that offers various checkups and screenings. Since June 2007, it has offered the services through the Carilion Clinic, which has offices a few minutes from the Vaughan-Bassett plant in Galax.
The facility is open to employees, their spouses and their children. They can visit the clinic as often as they like, but to participate, employees must get a free annual physical offered by the company.
Last year, the clinic had 2,977 visits from employees and family members.
Screenings are typically done by a physician’s assistant at the clinic, although anyone requiring immediate medical attention is sent to a doctor. Many prescriptions made at the clinic can be filled at a local Wal-Mart for $4.
The clinic service, considered a supplement to the company’ health insurance program, costs Vaughan-Bassett about $300,000 a year.
But it saves employees the $25 co-pays they would make for regular doctor visits under the insurance program, and also saves Vaughan-Bassett money it would contribute toward the non-clinic doctor visits under the same plan.
Company officials said the program gets employees and their families preventive care and also helps avoid potential visits to the emergency room, where many uninsured individuals end up going for treatment.
Based on these factors, officials say it is worth the expense.
“We feel an obligation to our people,” said John Bassett III, company chairman. “We need to find a way to get our arms around health care costs and to educate our employees to have more discipline to take more preventive medicine.”
“The whole key is that even that $25 (co-pay) can affect behavior,” Doug Bassett said. “If it is getting our workers to get needed treatment, then we think it is an excellent investment.”
-
Vaughan-Bassett to reopen plant, rehire 50 workers
Sep 14, 2009 -
Vaughan-Bassett to reopen Elkin, N.C., plant
Sep 8, 2009 -
Employees sue Berkline over sudden plant closure
Apr 12, 2011 -
Vaughan-Bassett furniture still made in U.S.A.
Mar 15, 2010
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
