Air Force civilian wellness program comes to MacDill

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adam R. Shanks
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The U.S. Air Force employs multiple free programs to keep its Airmen fit to fight. Programs such as the Health and Wellness Centers located on various Air Force Base installations, aim to keep Airmen and their families healthy and to maintain a lifestyle that will support them throughout their military careers.

But what about those who don’t wear the uniform? That’s where the Civilian Health Promotion Services program comes in.

CHPS, also known as “chips,” is a program similar to the HAWC’s, however it is targeted at Department of Defense civilian contractors and employees.

Recently, Tom Cormier, a health promotion coordinator with the 6th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, has begun planning the integration of CHPS at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

“Our current goal is to spread the word to the thousands of civilian workers on MacDill, that we’re here to assist,” said Cormier. “Right now, we offer more than 40 different classes about health and wellness.”

Classes range from pain management and building a healthy core, to digestive health and understanding body mass. All the resources provided by CHPS are free, including wellness screenings such as cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure value tests.

“We offer multiple screenings, however for those interested in them, individuals will have to create an account at Air Force Materiel Command’s wellness website.”

The website, afmcwellness.com, allows DOD civilians access to tools to help reach health goals and activities that are offered on base.

“Although the program has been in the Air Force for more than 10 years now, it’s brand new at MacDill,” said Cormier. “In January 2018, we plan on starting the program full swing, but anyone interested can sign up for the classes ahead of time.”

The CHPS office on MacDill is located inside the HAWC near the front entrance of the Short Fitness Center. For more information about the program, or to schedule a class, please contact Mr. Tom Cormier at 813-828-0026 or by email at thomas.cormier.ctr@us.af.mil.