Friday, February 9, 2024
Louisville Metro Government sees health and wellness benefits of new Paid Parental Leave policy
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, has released an analysis of the Louisville Metro Government’s (LMG) Paid Parental Leave (PPL) policy, which took effect April 2021. The report found that support for PPL was overwhelmingly positive among employees and supervisors, with many substantial benefits to the workforce.
The policy provides LMG employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave for those who have a child through birth or adoption. Employees, no matter their gender, are eligible if they have worked at least 1,250 hours over the previous year or have been employed with the city for at least 12 months. Before PPL, parental leave was unpaid unless employees used other forms of paid time off, like sick and vacation time.
According to the report, recipients said the PPL policy allowed for more time and opportunity for:
- Forming secure attachment bonds between child and parent
- Physical recovery from childbirth
- Supporting birth parent recovery
- Reducing stress
- Facilitating the use of breastmilk for feeding
- Adjusting to new patterns/learning new skills
- Attending medical appointments
- Financial stability
“Investing in the health and wellbeing of employees and their families not only benefits them, but the workforce as a whole. Strong paid parental leave policies help keep employees from having to decide between their job and caring for their family,” said Louisville’s Interim Chief Health Strategist Connie Mendel. “This evaluation provides some early actionable data that the Paid Parental Leave policy is working, and the goal is to continue looking at ways to better support new parents both during leave and when returning to work.”
West Louisville residents can register for free therapy and massage sessions at event
Martin and Muir Counseling and Tip It Forward are teaming up to offer three free therapy sessions and three massage therapy sessions to residents aged 18 to 35, living in the Shawnee, Russell, California, Chickasaw and Parkhill neighborhoods.
To register and learn more, visit Blak Coffee, 1219 W. Jefferson St., from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 19. The event will also include a panel discussion. Drinks and light snacks will be provided.
Enjoy an evening of Black history through song, storytelling and spoken word
Mayor Craig Greenberg and Louisville Metro Government invite the public to attend "Go Back and Get It" – an event on Tuesday, Feb. 13 that will celebrate Black history through song, storytelling and spoken word.
The event is hosted by the Office of Equity, Roots 101 and The Sankofa Players in the Mayor’s Gallery at Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson St.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the performance begins promptly at 6:15 p.m.
Register to attend here.
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