A Legacy of Hope for the Future
A Legacy of Hope for the Future
Dr. Lorna Breen's legacy survives in her family & Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act.
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Almost a year ago today, Dr. Lorna Breen Health care Provider Protection Act was passed into law. And, it is important we acknowledge the importance of this legislation.
The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act is a law that established grants and specific activities required to improve mental and behavioral health among health care providers. The Act tasked the Dept of Health and Human Services to “award grants to hospitals, medical professional associations, and other health care entities for programs to promote mental health and resiliency among health care providers.”
In addition, HHS may award grants for relevant mental and behavioral health training for healthcare students, residents, or professionals.
Is mental health a concern among healthcare providers?
Yes. In the Medscape 2023 Physician Survey, 9100 physicians were surveyed about their perceptions, feelings, and experiences over the past 1 year.
23% (2,093) of physicians reported feeling “depressed”
Of these, 67% (1,400) felt down, sad, or what is called colloquial depression
24% (502) had self-diagnosed or been diagnosed with clinical depression
5% refrained from answering
Do physicians seek help when depressed?
In the same survey, 49% of those with “depression” would mention to 1-2 friends or family. While 37% would rather not share with anybody.
Why don’t physicians seek help?
There is a culture of silence and stigma. A culture of suffering for the sake of protecting your license to practice, credentialing privileges, and reputation/brand.
How does the Dr. Lorna Breen Act influence the change?
The Act establishes the task of HHS to conduct a campaign to (1) encourage healthcare providers to seek support and treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns, and (2) disseminate best practices to prevent suicide and improve mental health and resiliency among healthcare providers.
Furthermore, HHS is tasked with the study and development of policy recommendations on
improving mental and behavioral health among healthcare providers,
removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and
identifying strategies to promote resiliency.
Final thoughts
The largest outcome of this Act is giving voice to healthcare workers’ suffering. The grave toll that long work hours, moral injury, the culture of silence, punitive practices, disconnection of community/passion/purpose, and an expectation of sacrificing self and loved ones, is finally acknowledged. It is not missed upon me that Dr. Lorna Breen’s legacy found its birth during Women’s History Month. Her tragic death and the pain suffered by her and her loved ones have transformed into a beautiful symbol of hope for future healthcare workers.
Each of us has a role to play - at the least, consider sending an email to your local state representative to support legislation at the state level that would update the language used in licensing and credentialing applications when healthcare workers are asked to report their use of mental or behavioral health services, ever. Need to know where your state stands? Check here
Healthcare workers come to work every day, rain/wind/storm, come natural disaster or manmade disaster, come epidemics or pandemics. They survive grueling training, intensely stressful and emotionally charged situations, and physically and emotionally demanding jobs. But, they shouldn’t have to suffer in silence, in isolation, in fear of losing the very skill and passion that sustains them, if they asked for help.
The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act shifts the paradigm. A new future in which our heroes are given the grace and help they need to continue to do what they do best: take care of moms, dads, sons, daughters, best friends, neighbors - our loved ones.
Whoever saves a single life is considered by scripture to have saved the whole world.
- from the Talmud
