In recognition of Health Workforce Wellbeing Day, the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation (DLBHF) launched the ALL IN for Mental Health initiative to address the unprecedented rates of burnout and mental health conditions among health workers. This essential initiative promotes ways to support health workers’ access to mental health care, eliminates systemic barriers to mental health care for health workers, and communicates to health workers that it is safe to seek mental health care. 

The DLBHF recognizes the unique challenges health workers endure, such as long hours in difficult work environments, resource shortages, and routine exposure to emotionally difficult situations. Unfortunately, health workers are often discouraged from seeking mental health care due to stigmatizing policies and practices. 

The ALL IN for Mental Health initiative aims to eliminate this stigma by highlighting six key actions that support the mental health of the healthcare community, one of which is strengthening health workers’ access to confidential Professional or Physician Health Programs (PHPs). Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director of the Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) and Chief Medical Officer of the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP), and Linda Bresnahan, Executive Director of FSPHP, have worked closely with the DLBHF to increase support for PHPs as trusted resources for health workers. 

PHPs provide confidential assessment, referral to treatment, resources, and health support for healthcare professionals and those in training when there is a concern that a health condition may adversely affect their ability to provide safe, effective care.  

The five other important actions in the DLBHF’s plan include: 

• Accessible and affordable mental health care 

• Equal privacy in mental health care 

• Confidential peer support 

• Education and training on mental health and professional wellbeing 

• Supportive pathway for re-entry 

WPHP stands with the DLBHF to create a healthcare system where seeking support is not a risk, but a right. Visit the DLBHF website to learn more about the six actions to take to be ALL IN for Mental Health.