Going to D.C. to Fight for Mental Health – Need Your Help!

A Mental Health Moment - Week 27

Author

Jake Goodman
July 07, 2024

Hi friends!

I hope you had a relaxing weekend. And Happy 4th of July Weekend to my fellow U.S. friends! This week, a once in a lifetime opportunity presented itself, and I’m taking you all along for the journey.

I'm Heading to the Nation’s Capitol to Fight for Mental Health

On Monday, I’ll be traveling to Washington D.C. to meet with members of congress to advocate for the mental health of healthcare workers.

As a doctor & activist deeply committed to improving mental health care, I’ll be joining forces with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation to urge lawmakers to reauthorize and fund the Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act. 

*Stay tuned until the end of the email to see how you can help us with this!*

The Mental Health Crisis Among Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers are facing a mental health crisis. According to recent studies, nearly 30% of resident doctors and 25% of medical students experience depression. Alarmingly, approximately 10% of resident doctors and medical students have reported thoughts of ending their lives. The statistics for nurses and other healthcare workers aren’t much different. These statistics highlight a dire situation that demands immediate attention and action.

Several factors contribute to this crisis, including long working hours, high-stress environments, inadequate support systems, staffing issues, and the stigma surrounding mental health in the medical community.

The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation

The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, named in honor of Dr. Lorna Breen, a physician who tragically took her own life during the pandemic, is dedicated to improving the mental well-being of healthcare workers. The foundation advocates for systemic change, promotes mental health awareness, and supports legislative efforts to protect healthcare providers.

The Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act

The Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act, which became law in 2022, aims to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, and mental health conditions among healthcare professionals. The act provides funding for mental health education, awareness, and treatment programs for healthcare workers. To date, it has funded over 100 million dollars to help with initiatives such as:

1. Reducing administrative burden

2. Improving staffing and working conditions

3. Providing access to mental health services without fear of repercussions 

The Need for Reauthorization

The work initiated by the Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act is crucial, but it needs to be reauthorized and funded to continue providing necessary support and resources. Without reauthorization, the programs and initiatives that have been set up to help healthcare workers may lose funding and momentum.

I’ve been fighting for the mental health of healthcare workers for years, and now, I’m joining the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation Team to take this fight to Washington D.C. I’ll be speaking to lawmakers this week about the importance of reauthorizing this critical legislation. But I can’t do this without your help.

Help Us Renew The Dr. Lorna Breen Act!

I need your help and it will only take 20 seconds to make a difference.

Hit the link below, which will create an automatic email that you can send with a single click to your state representative and show your support for the renewal of the Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act. I can’t tell you how much your support means to this movement. LET’S GET THIS ACT RENEWED!

Thank you for your support and for standing with us in this vital mission.

Follow along on my IG this week. I’ll be taking you all with me to fight for mental health in Washington D.C.!

In solidarity,

Jake

This Week’s Sources:

Disclaimer: These emails do not assume a doctor-patient relationship and my information is not intended to substitute for medical advice. I offer science-backed educational information aimed at empowering you to live your best life. Always consult your personal doctor before starting any treatment. My views and opinions are always my own and do not reflect the views or opinions of my employer. My newsletter will always be free.