ROCHESTER, Mich. — The City of Rochester is taking a new step toward supporting the health and well-being of employees, residents, and the broader community with the establishment of its new Health and Wellness Committee.

Approved by Rochester City Council on August 24, 2026, the committee was created by Council Members Jessica Clauser and Nancy Salvia to better focus and coordinate efforts that support physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being throughout Rochester.

The committee will focus on practical opportunities to improve community wellness through education, partnerships, City initiatives, and recommendations to City Council. Areas of focus will include active living, nutrition, mental well-being, health access, social connection and belonging, and workplace wellness.

“We already have so many organizations, programs and community members doing great work around health and wellness in Rochester,” said Council Member Clauser. “Our goal is to help connect those efforts, identify opportunities and focus on practical things we can do locally to help people live healthier, more connected lives.”

The committee is also intended to be results-focused. It will develop an annual work plan and identify a small set of community wellness measures to help track progress and inform future priorities.
“The health and well-being of our first responders is important. We rely on them to run into burning buildings and protect us,” said Council Member Salvia. “ I am excited about this focus and look forward to continued efforts to build upon the programs, initiatives, and activities in our community to promote longer health-spans for Rochester.”
 
One early accomplishment is already underway. The City has expanded its employee wellness program to include part-time employees, broadening access to wellness resources across the City workforce.
City HR Director Joellen Haines said, "I am grateful the City has been so dedicated to the health and wellness of our employees, and this expansion of the City’s current Employee Wellness program to our part-time employees has generated much interest and excitement in our workforce who want to live healthier, longer lives." (Photo of 2 city employees – bike patrol and RFD – with blood pressure cuff or other wellness activity)

Residents interested in helping shape this work are encouraged to get involved. Applications to serve on the Health and Wellness Committee are currently being accepted through the City of Rochester’s website. Additional information about the committee, membership, and upcoming priorities will be shared as its work gets underway.

For more information, contact Joellen Haines, City of Rochester HR Director at 248-963-0752 or jhaines@rochestermi.org.