Health Update: BBB East Texas Partners with NET Health to Promote the NET Health Worksite Wellness Awards – The Gilmer Mirror – What Experts Say

March 18, 2026 – TYLER, Texas – Better Business Bureau East Texas (BBB) has announced a new partnership with the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) to support and promote the NET Health Worksite Wellness Awards, which recognize organizations and individuals making a positive impact on community health and wellness across the region.

Through this partnership, BBB East Texas will help encourage nominations, raise awareness of the awards program, and highlight businesses and organizations which demonstrate leadership in creating healthier workplaces and communities.

The NET Health Worksite Wellness Awards celebrate individuals, organizations, and workplaces that contribute to improving public health and well-being in Northeast Texas. Honorees are recognized for initiatives which support healthier lifestyles, workplace wellness, and broader community health efforts.

“Strong communities depend on strong partnerships,” said Mechele Mills, President and CEO of BBB East Texas. “BBB is proud to partner with NET Health to spotlight organizations which are making a real difference in the health and well-being of East Texans. When businesses prioritize wellness and community impact, everyone benefits.”

NET Health serves Smith County and the surrounding region by working to prevent illness, promote health, and protect the community through a wide range of public health programs and partnerships.

“Public health is strengthened when businesses and community organizations work together,” said Terrence Ates, Director of Community Wellness at NET Health. “By partnering with BBB, we can reach more employers and community leaders who are committed to creating healthier workplaces and improving the quality of life for people across Northeast Texas.”

The NET Health Worksite Wellness Awards are open to nominations from businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the region. Recipients will be recognized for their contributions to advancing public health initiatives and creating environments which support healthy living.

To qualify, participating organizations review and implement policies supporting at least one of the following worksite policies:

• Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite Policy
• Nicotine Free Worksite Policy
• Onsite Physical Activity Policy
• Onsite Nutrition Policy or an Onsite Healthy Food Policy

Businesses across Northeast Texas are encouraged to participate, and applications for the NET Health Worksite Wellness Awards are open through August 31, 2026. Organizations selected for the program will be recognized publicly for their efforts to promote healthier workplaces and stronger communities.

Community members and organizations interested in submitting nominations or learning more details about the awards program can visit: MyNetHealth.org/awards.

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ABOUT NET HEALTH
The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) works to prevent illness, promote health, and protect communities throughout Smith County and Northeast Texas through public health services, education, and community partnerships.

ABOUT BBB®

The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for over 110 years. In 2025, people turned to BBB more than 250 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million businesses and Charity Reports on about 25,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada. BBB Central East Texas opened their Tyler office in 1985 and serves 19 counties in East Texas.

BBBs are private, self-regulatory agencies that seek the voluntary cooperation of business.  When illegal practices are uncovered and the business refuses to cooperate with the BBB, the matter is referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.  Also, BBBs have close working relationships with governmental agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, with consumer protection agencies, and the State Attorneys General.