The information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice and may no longer be accurate due to changes in the law. Consult NHMA's legal services or your municipal attorney.
New Hampshire municipalities depend on dedicated employees who help keep communities running every day. Public works crews maintain roads, police and fire personnel respond to emergencies, town clerks and administrative staff serve residents, and parks and recreation professionals create programs that strengthen community life. These employees are among a municipality’s most valuable assets, and municipal leaders have an important role in supporting their long-term health and well-being.
One of the most effective ways to do that is by empowering employees to be proactive with preventive care.
Preventive care focuses on identifying potential health concerns before they become a serious medical issue. Annual wellness visits, recommended immunizations, and routine screenings can detect conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and certain cancers in their earliest stages. Early detection often leads to better treatment options, improved health outcomes, and lower healthcare costs for both employees and employers.
For municipal leaders, encouraging preventive care is not simply a wellness initiative — it is a workforce strategy. Healthy employees are better equipped to perform demanding jobs, maintain productivity, and provide consistent service to residents. A proactive approach to health can help reduce preventable illnesses, minimize extended absences, and support a more resilient workforce.
The Value of Early Detection
Many chronic conditions develop silently. High blood pressure often presents no symptoms while increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Prediabetes may progress for years without warning signs, yet early lifestyle changes can prevent it from developing into Type 2 diabetes. Screenings for colorectal, breast, cervical, skin, and prostate cancers can identify concerns early, which is when treatment is often most successful.
By encouraging employees to complete recommended screenings, municipal leaders help create opportunities for early intervention. A routine blood pressure check or annual physical may seem small, but it can prevent much larger health challenges down the road.
Creating a Culture of Prevention
Employees are more likely to prioritize preventive care when they know their leadership values it. Municipal leaders can set the tone by making wellness and prevention visible priorities throughout the year. Simple actions can have a meaningful impact:
- Encourage employees to schedule annual wellness exams
- Share information about available preventive benefits and screenings
- Promote workplace wellness programs and health education opportunities
- Allow reasonable flexibility for preventive medical appointments
- Recognize and support healthy lifestyle efforts within departments
When leaders consistently communicate that employee health matters, preventive care becomes part of the organizational culture rather than an afterthought.
Supporting Mental Well-Being
Preventive care extends beyond physical health. Annual wellness visits also provide an opportunity for employees to discuss stress, sleep, anxiety, depression, and other factors that affect overall well-being.
Municipal service can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Public-facing roles, emergency response responsibilities, seasonal workloads, and community expectations can all contribute to stress. Leaders who openly support mental well-being and encourage employees to seek help can reduce stigma and create a healthier workplace.
A Stronger Workforce, A Stronger Community
Investing in preventive care ultimately benefits the entire municipality. Healthy employees are more likely to remain engaged, productive, and able to continue serving their communities effectively. Reduced absenteeism, improved morale, and greater workforce stability all contribute to stronger municipal operations.
Most importantly, encouraging preventive care demonstrates that municipal leaders value the people who make local government work. Employees who feel supported in their health and well-being are better positioned to succeed professionally and personally.
Leading by Example
Municipal leaders can send a powerful message by prioritizing preventive care for themselves as well. When leaders schedule annual checkups, complete recommended screenings, and openly discuss the importance of wellness, they help normalize proactive healthcare throughout the organization.
Prevention is not about reacting to illness; it is about taking steps today that protect health tomorrow. By empowering employees to be proactive with preventive care, municipalities can build healthier workplaces, stronger workforces, and more resilient communities for years to come.
Kerry Horne is the Well-Being Manager at HealthTrust.