Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, American Cancer Society receive CEO Cancer Gold Standard accreditation

Feb 3 2011

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the American Cancer Society - High Plains Division have received CEO Cancer Gold Standard^™ accreditation, recognizing the commitment of these organizations to reducing the risk of cancer for employees and their families by promoting healthy lifestyle choices, encouraging early detection through cancer screenings, and ensuring access to quality treatment.

“I hope the commitment demonstrated by these organizations will encourage other employers, large and small, for profit and not for profit, to become Gold Standard accredited.”

William C. Weldon, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson & Johnson, chairs the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, a nonprofit organization of cancer-fighting CEOs who created the CEO Cancer Gold Standard^™, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, many of its designated cancer centers, and leading health non-profit organizations and professionals. Today, more than two million employees and family members are benefiting from the vision and leadership of employers who have chosen to become Gold Standard accredited.

"We are pleased to recognize the efforts of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the American Cancer Society - High Plains Division in the fight against cancer, starting with improving the health and wellness of their own employees," said Weldon. "I hope the commitment demonstrated by these organizations will encourage other employers, large and small, for profit and not for profit, to become Gold Standard accredited."

The CEO Cancer Gold Standard^™ calls for companies to evaluate their health benefits and corporate culture and take extensive, concrete actions in five key areas of health and wellness to fight cancer in the workplace. To earn Gold Standard accreditation, a company must establish programs to reduce cancer risk by discouraging tobacco use; encouraging physical activity; promoting healthy diet and nutrition; detecting cancer at its earliest stages; and providing access to quality care, including participation in clinical trials. Harvard Business Review recently highlighted the CEO Cancer Gold Standard, as an example of a high quality, signature program that can boost the overall effectiveness of a broad spectrum of workplace wellness initiatives.

SOURCE The CEO Roundtable on Cancer