In a significant move toward enhancing mental health support for healthcare professionals, University of Utah Health has been honored with national recognition as a Wellbeing First Champion by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation.
This prestigious award highlights a transformative change in the organization’s approach to mental health, confirming that outdated and intrusive questions regarding mental health history have been removed from credentialing applications.
The message is clear: It is safe for employees at U of U Health to seek help without fear of repercussions.
For years, healthcare workers across the nation have hesitated to pursue mental health care, worried about the potential impacts on their careers. Some have traveled across state lines to seek therapy, while others resorted to using aliases and paying with cash to keep their treatment private.
The question, “Have you ever received mental health treatment?” has served as a significant barrier, carrying heavy implications that seeking help might jeopardize one’s job.
At U of U Health, the belief is that seeking support fundamentally strengthens healthcare professionals, enhancing their ability to provide better patient care.
The foundation of this initiative is inspired by the legacy of Dr. Lorna Breen, a respected emergency medicine physician in New York City.
Dr. Breen, who was also an avid runner and musician, faced tremendous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, falling ill with the virus.
Despite her efforts to seek treatment and support for her struggles, she tragically died by suicide. Her family attributes the stigma associated with mental health care as a contributing factor to her struggles.
In response to this heart-wrenching loss, the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation was established to advocate for changes in how health systems prioritize the mental well-being of caregivers, particularly concerning credentialing processes and access to resources.
U of U Health is proud to align with these advocacy efforts, reflecting a commitment to fostering a culture of support within the healthcare profession.
The recognition as a Wellbeing First Champion reinforces an initiative that U of U Health had already begun prior to receiving the award—proactively eliminating intrusive mental health questions from credentialing forms as a matter of principled practice.
Research indicates that inquiring about past mental health treatment does not predict a clinician’s job performance; in fact, it may discourage professionals from seeking help, which in turn can have far-reaching consequences for patient safety and overall well-being.
The Wellbeing First Champion award serves as a testament to U of U Health’s dedication to clinician well-being, conveying the essential message that it is safe to seek help within the organization.
Comprehensive support for mental health that extends across all levels of the organization is crucial for making a lasting impact.
At the individual level, U of U Health provides resources such as the Resiliency Center, which offers confidential therapy for employees.
As individuals utilize these services, a positive ripple effect emerges: one person seeking help encourages others to follow suit, cultivating an environment of support and openness.
Team-level support takes the form of initiatives like Code Lavender, a response designed for teams affected by distressing events, such as the sudden loss of a patient.
When a Code Lavender is invoked, the Resiliency Center collaborates with teams to acknowledge their emotional experiences, facilitating connections to care and support.
This approach is not about therapy for everyone; it’s about validating the reality of working in a challenging environment and providing timely, empathetic responses.
At the organizational level, U of U Health remains committed to developing policies and systems that prioritize well-being.
The organization is also pursuing Gold status within the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine program—this credentialing update represents one component in their ongoing journey towards promoting clinician well-being.
A heartfelt message is extended to clinicians who may be struggling: You are not alone.
If you are hesitant about reaching out for help or anxious about the implications for your job, know that at U of U Health, support is available.
Your struggles and emotional pain are valid. Acknowledging your need for support is a sign of strength, not weakness—it demonstrates your commitment to yourself, your patients, and your profession.
Take the leap. You deserve to feel supported.
image source from：uofuhealth
