CAMBRIDGE — The Dorchester County Health Department is recruiting local businesses to join an initiative to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy workforce. Dorchester County employers with at least 25 employees are eligible to apply for a mini-grant opportunity purposed to increase and promote physical activity and/or healthier food choices among employees.

Businesses are not required to have previous experience with workplace wellness programming or policy implementation and those who have not received prior funding from Dorchester County Health Department will be prioritized.

Mini-grants range from $1,000 to $2,5000, depending on the number of employees, to support the development of employee wellness policies (formal/informal written statements).

Workplace wellness programs can help employees eat healthier foods, get more physical activity, and make other lifestyle changes that improve their health. Much of the illness in the U.S. is directly preventable.

According to Partnership for Prevention, a review of published studies on worksite wellness programs shows for every $1 invested in employees, $3.50 to $5.81 return on investment will occur due to reduced health care cost, reduced absenteeism, reduced injury and disability, and increased productivity.

Applications are due by Feb. 22, 2018. To learn more or to access the application, visit www.healthiestmdbusinesses.org/funding or contact Miranda LeCompte at 410-901-8129 or miranda.lecompte@maryland.gov.