NET Health is proud to recognize individuals, organizations, and workplaces that significantly contribute to the health and well-being of our Northeast Texas community through the following awards.
Applications are accepted from ANY business in northeast Texas.
This is policy-driven program allows businesses to objectively assess existing worksite policies and allows NET Health to provide technical assistance to companies who request our assistance to achieve status as a Worksite Wellness Awardee.
The application period is open until Sunday August 31st, 2025.
Successful applicant companies will be recognized on this website and will be formally recognized at an in-person event.
Review and Develop These Four Worksite Policies
1) Texas Mother Friendly Worksite Policy
A business needs to have a current worksite policy, or create a new worksite policy, that specifically covers these four criteria:
NET Health can provide resources that provide breastfeeding support to your employees and we can provide technical assistance to interested local businesses to become a newly designated Texas Mother Friendly Worksite.
Full details are available at the Texas Mother Friendly Worksite Program's website.
2) Nicotine Free Worksite Policy
Develop a nicotine-free worksite policy or to enhance a company’s existing smoke-free policy by including the consumption of nicotine-containing products (ex., dip, snuff, snus) and/or prohibiting nicotine-delivery devices (ex., e-cigarettes, vape pens, mods) from onsite worksite use by employees.
Proof of a company policy & photos of installed signage must be provided.
3) Onsite Physical Activity Policy **
Gym memberships and access to offsite facilities are encouraged but would not meet the 2025 critera for the NET Health Worksite Wellness Awards. All exercise and physical activity resources must be physically available and accessible onsite at your place of business.
Worksites would be tasked to provide photos showing evidence of either of these 2 criteria:
4) Onsite Nutrition Policy or an Onsite Healthy Food Policy **
Worksites would be asked to submit their company policy and provide photos showing evidence of both of these below criteria:
#3 and #4 are sourced from the Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2017.
** An existing Worksite Wellness Policy can be substitued for #3 or for #4.
For technical assistance or to ask questions, contact Terrence Ates.
Complete the Online Application Before August 31, 2025
It is important to engage your senior leadership and your worksite wellness staff who have the knowledge and understanding of the agency’s programs, practices, and policies. To complete this assessment, please gather the following materials:
Click Here to Begin the Online Application Form
If your company needs assistance with creating any or all of the four worksite policies, let us know!
We are here to help you successfully apply! Send us an email at "[email protected]g".
Applications are accepted from ANY person or business in northeast Texas.
The W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award is NET Health’s highest accolade, recognizing individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to public health in our community.
The application period is currently closed.
Honorees for 2025 will be recognized at the NET Health Board Meeting on Thursday, June 26th, 2025.
Who is the "DOC" Ballard for?
The W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health honors individuals or organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in protecting and promoting community health in Northeast Texas. Nominees do not need to be public health professionals — they can come from any walk of life and serve in areas such as civic leadership, education, cultural initiatives, or philanthropy.
Nominate a Community Health Champion for the Doc Ballard Award
To nominate someone, be sure your submission includes all of the following:
1) Nomination Letter
• Should clearly describe why the nominee deserves the award (250 words or less)
• Must show a positive impact on the health of the public
2) Biographical Sketch or Résumé
• A one-page summary of the nominee’s professional background or service history
3) Up to 5 Supporting Documents (Optional)
• Examples: letters of recommendation, news articles, publications, program results, etc.
4) Nominee Photo
• One clear 4” x 5” photograph of the nominee
Mail all nominations to:
NET Health
Attn: W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award
315 N. Broadway, Suite 404
Tyler, TX 75702
We are here to help you successfully apply! Send us an email at "[email protected]g".