Lansing-based Sparrow Health System has partnered with Nashville-based Aegis Health Group in an effort to more closely align its programs with the health care needs of local employers.

Aegis' program includes an on-site employer relations specialist responsible for developing partnerships with local employers to improve the health of their work force.

Employees at participating organizations complete personal health profiles about family history, lifestyle and current health. Using proprietary Aegis software, the data is used to predict future health risks for each participant. Sparrow Health System then offers specific prevention and education programs to help reduce or eliminate those risks. Employers receive the data in aggregate, which protects the private information of employees.

"With Americans living longer and health care costs on the rise, there is a greater focus on health management and prevention," said Beth Spyke, director of health and wellness for Sparrow Health System. "Our expert medical staff and strong community ties puts Sparrow in a perfect position to be part of the health care solution for both local employers and their employees."

Aegis' program can currently be found in more than 4,000 employer sites across the country.

More at www.sparrow.org or www.aegisgroup.com.