Corporate Wellness Programs - Success Stories?

[Guest dbob]

I am interested in proposing a pilot wellness program for our company. I've always had a hunch that this must be where the real healthcare cost savings lie. There are reams of anecdotal evidence to support the notion that wellness programs drastically reduce health care expenses (and increase employee productivity). Many companies now do the obligitory wellness thing (a cholesterol screening here, a blood pressure check-up there. . .), but no real follow-up or commitment to longitudinal success. But where are the examples of companies that have succesfully rolled out more intensive programs (and have been able to capture their success in dollars)? Can anybody point me to a solid body of evidence and/or best practices? Your input is greatly appreciated.