Geisinger Recognized as WellBeing First Champion

Geisinger recently announced its recognition as a WellBeing First Champion for 2024 by ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare. As a WellBeing First Champion, Geisinger has demonstrated that licensure and credentialing applications for physicians and advanced practice providers are free from intrusive and stigmatizing language around mental health care and treatment. This means health workers at Geisingercan seek needed care without fear of losing their license or job.

Geisinger is currently the only hospital system in its service area to be recognized.

“This recognition is a testament to our deep commitment to supporting the well-being of our workforce,” said Susan Parisi, M.D., chief wellness officer at Geisinger. “Our profession is demanding and impactful, and all too often comes at a very personal cost to us, our families and friends. We often talk about the importance of taking care of ourselves so that we can best care for our patients, and with these credentialing changes, we’re putting our words into action. We hope our employees feel confident seeking any health care services they need, free from shame or barriers.”

Verification that all invasive or stigmatizing language around mental health has been removed from applications is confirmed annually by ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare, a coalition of leading health care organizations that works to eliminate barriers for health workers to obtain needed mental health care.

“Across the country, health workers are at an increased risk for burnout and mental health conditions,” said Corey Feist, co-founder of ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. “Many health workers feel they cannot speak up about their mental health without being criticized by colleagues or losing their jobs. Today, physicians and nurses die by suicide at two times the rate of the general population. We as a nation must better protect these lives, and I applaud our WellBeing First Champions for their leadership to support the well-being of health workers.”