LAPORTE | LaPorte Regional Health System (LRHS) recently received a 2008 Family Friendly Workplace Award from The Indiana Youth Institute in partnership with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

LRHS was one of five recipients in the state to receive the award for its efforts to establish family friendly policies and practices.

Providing these benefits at work allows families to spend more time at home, Vice President of Human Resources and Support Services Connie Ford said. "Creating a family friendly workplace environment both internally and externally at La Porte Regional Health System benefits our employees and helps create a special bond with the families we serve in the surrounding communities," she said.

Some of the family friendly benefits LRHS provides to employees include a diaper and battery sale every other month in bulk at low prices, discounts on oil changes and car detailing through partnerships with local businesses, the convenient option to buy gallons of milk at the La Porte Hospital Cafeteria and daycare services through several certified centers. Employees also benefit from several family outings and other events sponsored through the Employee Activity Committee and flexible hours to create a healthy balance between work and family.

LRHS became eligible for the honor by being previously named as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for creating a strong workplace culture where employees feel valued.

The awards were presented to LRHS during an awards dinner and reception on Wednesday, May 7, in Indianapolis.

For more information about La Porte Regional Health System, visit www.laportehealth.org.