The places where people work can shape more than their careers. They can influence health, well-being and a sense of connection that extends beyond the workplace and into families and communities.
That idea brought employers from across Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia, who employ both locally and nationally, together for the inaugural CareFirst Healthy Business initiative. The program recognized employers creating healthier workplaces rooted in our wellness program, CareFirst WellBeingSM, through digital programs, health education and partnering with CareFirst WellBeing Consultants.
"Healthy workplaces have impact well beyond their office. When people feel supported at work, they carry that with them into their homes, with their families, their communities and the rest of their lives."
Ricardo Johnson, Chief Growth Officer, CareFirst
Recognizing Commitment to Employee Well-being
CareFirst Healthy Business was created to celebrate organizations making intentional investments in employee well-being. Through the Healthy Business Awards, we recognized 84 organizations that are embedding well-being into workplace culture and creating environments where employees feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive. Honorees were recognized across Gold, Silver, Bronze and Working Toward Healthy Business categories, acknowledging that every organization's journey looks different.
What united this year's recipients was a shared commitment to making well-being part of everyday work, not just a standalone initiative.
"When we started this, the goal was simple. We wanted to recognize organizations that were making a commitment to well-being and those who are making progress. Organizations that were willing to put the work in, willing to learn from it and willing to keep building."
Carrie Greene, Director, WellBeing and Clinical Advisory Services, CareFirst
Stories of Progress and Resilience
Throughout the evening, attendees heard stories of organizations finding meaningful ways to support their people, whether through wellness programming, mental health resources, employee feedback initiatives or opportunities to build stronger workplace connections. The event also featured keynote speaker Sarah Wells, whose message about resilience and growth reinforced the value of showing up, learning and continuing to move forward.
"True growth happens when we embrace a training mindset, when we stretch the boundaries, experiment, try new things and learn to accept imperfection that we know will help shape us and our organizations."
Sarah Wells, Olympian and Keynote Speaker
Several organizations were highlighted through CareFirst Healthy Business Spotlight presentations, including:
- AltaGas
- Frederick County Public Schools
- MedStar Health
- Sheppard Pratt
- Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox, P.L.L.C.
While each organization's approach differed, their stories reflected a common belief: supporting employee well-being is an ongoing commitment that evolves alongside the needs of their workforce.
Why Workplace Well-being Matters
Closing the event, Kurt C. Small, President and CEO of CareFirst, reflected on the broader impact of workplace well-being.
When organizations invest in their people, the benefits do not stop at the office door. They can strengthen families, support healthier communities and contribute to a healthier region overall.
That connection is what CareFirst Healthy Business is designed to celebrate and what CareFirst hopes to continue fostering through a growing community of employers committed to well-being.
"When families are winning, communities are winning, employees are winning and your customers are actually winning because they are able to show up for their customers in a new and significant and different way."
Kurt C. Small, President and CEO, CareFirst
As organizations continue to navigate changing workforce needs, the Healthy Business Awards serve as a reminder that investing in people is not only good for employees-it can create lasting impact far beyond the workplace.
2025 CareFirst Healthy Business Honorees
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Read more about CareFirst Healthy Business here.
To learn more about our efforts to transform healthcare, check out our 2025 Impact Report.