Creating a Healthier Workforce in Delaware

“I enrolled in Delaware Tech’s exercise science degree program as a way to help myself, my family and others who struggled with their health,” explained Delaware Tech alumnus Aaron B. Schrader. Schrader graduated from Delaware Tech in 2003.

Today, Schrader is a human resources manager for the State of Delaware, overseeing the operational aspects of the state Group Health, DelaWELL Health Management, Disability and Life Insurance Programs, statewide benefits strategic planning and communications.

His first project for the State of Delaware was to study employee health outcomes. This led to the creation of the DelaWELL Program which offers wellness and disease management benefits to over 65,000 eligible state employees, retirees and their family members. “Through DelaWELL, we’ve seen improvements in participant lifestyle and medical risk factors, reductions in hospital admissions and millions of dollars in savings through our disease management program,” Schrader said.

Schrader earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s degree in health promotion from the University of Delaware. In May 2012, Schrader was awarded “Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Employee of the Year.” In July 2014, he was appointed by Governor Markell as a member of the Council on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

“Aaron is a champion for employee health and well-being – a role that has helped so many of his peers make healthier choices and adopt healthier lifestyles. His enthusiasm for his work is contagious. Delaware is better thanks to Aaron’s efforts,” said Governor Markell.