Blog
Supporting Provider Well-Being
Mental health and well-being program expands to clinics across the Commonwealth.
In recognition of the extraordinary commitment and heightened pressure faced by healthcare workers, the Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics is pleased to offer expanded access to SafeHaven, a mental health and well-being program, to the teams and individuals serving in its member free and charitable clinics across the state.
With funding support from the Virginia Health Care Foundation, the program delivered via VITAL Work Life, offers confidential counseling from licensed mental health professionals and well-being resources for stress management, work-life balance, and resilience building. This enhanced investment underscores the VAFCC's dedication to supporting the personal health and resilience of the staff who serve in Virginia's healthcare safety net. An initiative of the Medical Society of Virginia, SafeHaven helps healthcare professionals navigate mental and emotional health. In 2020, Virginia became the first state in the nation to enact statutory protections to enable health care professionals to seek assistance for fatigue, wellness and burnout without fear of licensure or liability repercussions. VAFCC member clinics are part of the 8,000 enrollees with access to SafeHaven support in Virginia.
The demands on the healthcare workforce have fundamentally shifted and intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic. This persistent strain, creates a powerful environment for burnout and staff turnover. “For free clinic staff, these challenges are often magnified due to resource constraints,” shares Rufus Phillips, VAFCC CEO. “The availability of a mental health resource like SafeHaven is not just a benefit; it is an essential organizational intervention needed to combat a crisis of workforce well-being that has become the new normal in healthcare.” The continued efforts of these healthcare professionals ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors receive accessible and compassionate healthcare. Investing in clinics not only strengthens the well-being of the entire community but also prevents larger and more expensive health crisis.
