Health care workers selflessly care for others every day. And sometimes they are the ones who need care and support from their leaders and peers to get through the tough days. Hospitals and health systems are committed to supporting the mental well-being of their workforces by reducing the stigma of seeking behavioral health care, improving access to services and reducing job stressors.
AHA is pleased to offer resources that make it easier for hospitals and health systems to discover proven strategies and deploy best practices that improve the mental health and wellbeing of their staff and breathe new life into America’s most trusted professionals.
For those experiencing a suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Taking Action - St. Luke's Health
While health care workers are often called heroes — and we understand why — they are human too. In this video, Mindy Estes, M.D., chief executive officer, St. Luke’s Health System, and past chair, AHA Board of Trustees, shares a story about the reality of suicide risks among health care workers and how hospital and health system leaders are creating hope through action. Learn how St. Luke’s is taking critical steps to reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health, improve access to treatment and reduce job stressors whenever possible. Hear Dr. Estes' call to action for other health care leaders to do the same, as much work remains to be done.
3 Drivers of Suicide in the Health Care Workforce
Stigma
The stigma associated with behavioral health disorders and the fear of losing their medical license often impacts health professionals' willingness to seek help and can increase the risk of suicide.
Video
You’re Not Alone: Addressing Behavioral Health-Related Stigma in Health Care
Ann Schumacher, president, CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs, talks about breaking the stigma surrounding talking about behavioral health concerns among health care workers.
Access
Health care workers are most likely to seek out behavioral health and well-being services when there are multiple options that are accessible (via both on- and off-site care options), affordable, convenient and anonymous.
Podcast
Preventing Suicides in the Health Care Workforce: Lifesaving Steps from Providence
Arpan Waghray, M.D., chief medical officer of behavioral medicine at Providence and chief executive officer at Providence’s Well Being Trust, as well as chair of the Behavioral Health Committee, American Hospital Association.
Job Stressors
Health care workers can experience situations on the job that are stressful, emotionally draining and uncertain. This can contribute to feelings of psychological distress that, when not addressed, can be detrimental to their mental well-being.
Podcast
Preventing Suicides in the Health Care Workforce: The Role of Resilience
Gina Sharp, president and chief executive officer, and Lindsey Harrington, Psy.D., manager, psychology and counseling, both at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, part of NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health.
Additional Suicide Prevention Resources
- AHA Suicide Prevention Resources
- 2022 Healthcare Workforce Rescue Package
- Action 6 Toolkit
- NPSA Day Supporting Organization Form
- Direct Support Resources
- Resources for Healthcare Leaders and Educators
- COVID-19: Stress and Coping Resources
- Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Digital Toolkit
- Zero Suicide Toolkit
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
- The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Behavioral Health Strategic Priorities
Stories from the Field
Building Resilience Among Health Care Workers During The Holidays
Children’s Hospital Colorado is proactively addressing holiday stress and its impact on health care workers who already are stretched at work as the trifecta of COVID-19, RSV and the flu are forcing more hospitals into crisis.
Prioritizing The Mental Health Of Health Care Workers
When Larry Phillips, diplomat of clinical social work at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital, first learned of the “second victim” concept impacting health care workers, he took action and developed a “Care for the Caregiver” initiative at his facility.