NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has received the Wellness Champion Award in the Working for a Healthier Tennessee competition.

The competition stems from the Healthier Tennessee initiative created by Gov. Bill Haslam.

It encourages state employees to actively take part in setting a positive example for Tennesseans in the area of health and wellness.

TDEC earned the highest recognition based on accumulating the most wellness points, which were earned by things like hosting wellness fairs, creating newsletters and establishing walking groups across the state.

A total of 25 departments participated in the program.