Organizations Recognized for Championing Mental Wellbeing for Healthcare Workers
On February 26, The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation recognized 43 licensure boards and 521 hospitals for changing intrusive and stigmatizing mental health questions in their licensing applications. Wellbeing First for Healthcare, a national coalition led by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, announced considerable progress in the healthcare community’s commitment to better support health workers’ mental health and wellbeing, according to a press release.
The 521 hospitals represent a 39 percent increase in organizations that have made such changes since September. Additionally, 34 state medical boards were recognized, a 17 percent increase since September, according to the Foundation.
“A healthy workforce is essential for safe, quality patient care. Yet health workers are experiencing a mental health crisis, with unprecedented rates of burnout and mental health conditions,” said Corey Feist, co-founder and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, in a statement. “Stigmatizing policies and practices discourage health workers from seeking mental healthcare, and this progress is evidence that we can work together, change the system and prioritize the mental health for those who care for us.”
“With each update to remove intrusive mental health questions from licensing and credentialing applications, we are taking important steps to support and strengthen the healthcare community,” said Bruce A. Scott, MD, president of the American Medical Association (AMA), in a statement. “Stigma still prevents many physicians and physicians-in-training from seeking needed care due to fear of professional repercussions.”
