NYC Health + Hospitals Launches American Suicide Prevention Foundation’s Interactive Screening Program for Providers Who May Need Mental Health Support
The Interactive Screening Program, an anonymous interactive tool, has been adopted by many healthcare organizations, law enforcement agencies, and higher education institutions
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, healthcare workers in the US are at increased risk of suicide compared to non-healthcare workers
March 13, 2024
NYC Health + Hospitals partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to implement the Interactive Screening Program, an online self-check tool for staff to connect with peer and clinical support before a potential crisis occurs. This partnership builds on Helping Healers Heal (H3), NYC Health + Hospitals’ staff wellness program. The anonymous screening tool is customized for the health system. Employees complete a short stress and depression questionnaire, receive feedback on available mental health programs and, if desired, schedule an interview with an H3 Peer Support Champion. AFSP established the ISP in 2001 to reduce the stigma of mental health while providing mental health assistance to all in need.
“Taking care of our health means taking care of our mental health as well,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, Ph.D. “NYC Health + Hospitals is proud to strengthen our efforts to support the mental health of our employees through a new partnership with AFSP. Our healthcare workers are often exposed to trauma and critically ill patients, and the stress can have a lasting impact. This tool will help our frontline health workers recognize signs and symptoms of distress and learn about the mental health service options available.”
“As Helping Healers Heal (H3) approaches its 6th anniversary at NYC Health + Hospitals, we continue to evolve and build the wealth of wellness resources available to all of our staff,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Eric Way, MD, MBA. “The addition of ISP is a real milestone in adding to our robust staff wellness resources.”
To date, ISP has supported over 280,000 employees working in over 200 organizations ranging from healthcare, academic institutions, law enforcement agencies and other workplaces. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly half of health care workers said they felt burned out and recently said there is a growing health care worker mental health crisis. The Physicians Foundation found that over 76% of physicians, residents and medical students agree that stigma around physician mental health still exists. According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, healthcare workers in the US are at increased risk of suicide compared to non-healthcare workers.
“We are grateful for this new collaboration with AFSP. NYC Health + Hospitals is proud to join the effort to advocate for mental health resources for all staff in an equitable manner,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Assistant Vice President and Chief System Wellness Officer Jeremy Segal. “The ISP is a great way for employees to seek help in a confidential and voluntary way to ensure they always have the opportunity to be cared for just as much as they care for others.”
“AFSP believes we must prioritize the mental health of our frontline healthcare workers,” said AFSP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Yu Mouthier. “ISPs encourage help-seeking for mental health problems by creating safe ways to connect with available support, particularly for those who are reluctant to turn. For providers accustomed to caring for others, connecting to peer support and clinical services is critical to improving well-being and resilience and reducing suicide risk.
ISP is listed on the Suicide Prevention Best Practices Registry, the Accreditation Council of Medical Education Tools and Resources for Physician Wellbeing, and as a recommended program in the US Surgeon General’s report, Addressing Health Care Worker Burnout : the American Surgeon General Tips on Building a Thriving Health Care Workforce.”
Learn more about AFSP, the nation’s leading organization at the forefront of scientific advancement, advocacy, public education and support for those affected by suicide, by visiting their website at www.afsp.org/isp.
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CONTACT:
NYC Health + Hospitals: 212-788-3339; [email protected]
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: 929-625-5884; [email protected]
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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the nation’s largest public health system, serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, community-based primary care and specialty centers anchors care coordination with trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agencies and the MetroPlus Health Plan—all of which are supported by 11 major hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest lives possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, TwitterInstagram and LinkedIn.
For the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and giving hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced loss. AFSP creates a culture that is smart about mental health through public education and community programs, advances suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support to those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with an advocacy office in Washington, DC, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, including Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest annual report and join the suicide prevention conversation by following AFSP on Facebook, TwitterInstagram and YouTube.
