Improving employee health and helping residents in the communities in which it operates is important to Marathon. From changing the occurrence of colon cancer to donating bone marrow, employees make a difference. Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second leading cause of death by cancer in the United States. It is almost entirely preventable when detected early. Colonoscopy is an important way to check for colon cancer. Marathon, working with the Indiana Gastroenterology Research Foundation (IGRF), offers eligible employees and their spouses an opportunity to have a free screening colonoscopy. This highly successful program is expected to result in a positive change in the prevalence of colon cancer in the U.S.
The Robinson, Illinois, refinery has sponsored a Children’s Health & Safety Fair at each of the local elementary schools. This event was held to teach students concepts of health and safety, two of Marathon’s core values. The event reached 950 students and consisted of 10 interactive booths covering topics such as fitness, proper hand washing, nutrition and bike safety. External stakeholders, who also participated, include four area schools; Robinson, Palestine, and Oblong, Illinois, police departments; Crawford County Sheriff’s Department; Illinois Secretary of State’s Office; Crawford County Health Department; Robinson High School Interact Club; and, local Parent/Teacher Associations.
Canton, Ohio, and St. Paul Park, Minnesota, refinery employees train local hospital emergency room staff in the care and treatment of hazardous chemicals used by the refinery and other industries in the area. In particular, health professionals at the refinery trained the EMS of Canton City and Canton about the first aid treatment for hydrofluoric acid (HF); their roles in responding to an HF exposure incident; and Marathon's protocols for treating HF exposure. Building on previous HF acid medical treatment training, refinery health professionals asked the Emergency departments of Mercy Medical Center, Aultman Hospital and Doctors Hospital to review their HF treatment protocols. A safety drill that simulated hazardous materials releases at the refinery included the hospitals testing their decontamination tents/rooms and their response to a large incident.
Since 1996, in coordination with the St. John Sheriff's Department and St. Charles High School, the Garyville, Louisiana, refinery has sponsored Thanksgiving Day meals for various St. John, the Baptist Parish residents in need of assistance.
Staying healthy is important to all of us. Marathon’s Well ALL Ways Wellness Plan provides employees and their families with a variety of opportunities at the worksite to improve health. Wellness offerings include physical exams, on-site activities, stress reduction, smoking cessation and weight loss programs.