Governor Carcieri held a celebratory gathering on December 14 in the Governor’s state room, almost a year and a half after he and Mrs. Carcieri kicked off the Get Fit, Rhode Island! Initiative with a walk through the House. The Governor praised the wellness champions for their hard work and dedication to help Rhode Island state workers live healthier lives.

Because the wellness champions have worked so hard in setting up new programming and gotten so many state employees engaged, the state applied for a silver level certification rather instead of the bronze certification. ”It is quite an extraordinary achievement” The Governor said. The Governor expressed his gratitude to all involved, recognizing this achievement was truly a team effort. “I especially would like to thank my cabinet members who have enthusiastically supported this effort in their individual departments from the very beginning” the Governor acknowledged. “Without the Cabinet’s support, this could not have happened”.
Ann Marie Connolly, the director of the Get Fit, Rhode Island! Initiative spoke about the positive and far-reaching effects that worksite wellness programs have had on employees. “This has been a good thing for our employees-so many lives have changed as a result of this initiative”.