This May, the Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) is proud to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. This serves as a critical opportunity to highlight the importance of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health conditions. The National Alliance on Mental Illness selected “stigma grows in silence, healing begins in community” as the 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month theme.

WPHP has been dedicated to restoring the health of Washington’s medical professionals and establishing a community where those with shared experiences can find strength and support for 40 years. Most recently, WPHP has collaborated with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation (DLBHF) to reduce the stigma associated with health professionals seeking mental health services.

DLBHF launched the ALL IN for Mental Health initiative in 2025 which highlights 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 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 J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DLBHF, and Stefanie Simmons, MD, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer of 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

At the upcoming Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates in Chicago, Ill., Dr. Bundy will present “Physician Wellness – Resilience in Action” on behalf of the AMA Academic Physicians Section. This presentation will explore the key drivers of physician distress, explain the barriers and supports that impact successful physician re-entry and long-term career stability, and discuss evidence-informed wellness and reintegration strategies to strengthen return to practice pathways and improve physician retention within healthcare systems and organized medicine. Dr. Bundy will present alongside Tracey Ziegler MBA, BSN, RN, Director of LifeGuard Program; George Abraham, MD, MPH, MACP, FIDSA, FRCP, Chief of Medicine at Saint Vincent Hospital; and Heather Farley, MD, MHCDS, Vice President of Professional Satisfaction at AMA.

During Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, WPHP is dedicated to eliminating systemic barriers to mental health care for health professionals and creating a culture where seeking mental health 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.