Olathe is becoming healthier, thanks to a city-funded wellness program.

The City Council learned Tuesday evening that since partnering with Wellness Innovations & Nursing Services in 2009, Olathe city employees have been losing weight and dramatically reducing their risk of serious diseases.

The program, headquartered in Westwood, provides free clinics where city employees and their spouses can voluntarily receive health evaluations.

The results of the program have been especially impressive in the past year, WINS president Tracy Fry told the council.

Almost half of the program’s 439 repeat participants have lost at least two pounds, she said. Thirty-seven percent of them reduced their cholesterol by 10 points, while 39 percent have improved their blood pressure by 10 points.

“One hundred people who were pre-diabetic now have normal blood sugar,” Fry said. “They are saving thousands of dollars in medication.”

City employees are not the only ones saving money. The reduction in insurance claims is saving Olathe thousands of dollars as well.

Both pieces of news delighted the council.

“High blood sugar and high blood pressure makes you a walking heart attack, so I’m pleased with this significant improvement,” said Councilwoman Marge Vogt.

Her sentiments were echoed by everyone on the council.

Mayor Michael Copeland hopes the positive statistics encourage more city employees to take advantage of the program.

“I daresay there are people here today who wouldn’t be here without the program,” he said. “These are great numbers and improving the quality of life and preventing serious issues.”

He suggested that the program should be better communicated to husbands and wives of city employees, who may not even know it exists.

Other business

Also Tuesday at the council meeting:

Mayor Copeland proclaimed February as Black History Month.

Mayor Copeland presented the Olathe Police Department Traffic Unit with the Community Traffic Safety Award of the American Automobile Association.

The council learned about the seven chosen sculptures and three alternatives selected for the city’s Downtown Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit.