19th & 21st U.S. Surgeon General. Dad, husband, doctor, author. Dedicated to building a healthier, kinder, more connected world. http://surgeongeneral.gov/burnout
NEW: Today, I released a Surgeon General’s Advisory calling the nation to address a growing threat to our individual and collective health: health worker burnout. Health workers have long had our back—it’s time for us to have theirs. https://surgeongeneral.gov/burnout 1/6
I’m horrified by today’s unspeakable tragedy. As a parent and as an American, my heart aches for the families of those who lost loved ones today. Moments likes this keep traumatizing our nation. We must must harness our sadness & rage to ensure no family goes through this again.
Join me in thanking Gina, a nurse from Benton, AR. She is known for her compassion and kindness and for always being there for others. She even has a happy dance she does with her patients to lift their spirits! Thank you, Gina for being the healer that you are. #RxforGraditude
released a new advisory to address health worker burnout. It includes practical guidance about how to make workplace conditions safer, and it recommends eliminating policies that punish people who seek help for mental health or addiction.
It’s time to show health workers that their physical and mental health and well-being are as important as those of the patients and communities in their care. We're grateful to
Today’s Surgeon General's Advisory lays out a series of recommendations to advance health worker well-being and address health worker burnout. https://surgeongeneral.gov/burnout 5/7
Worsening health worker burnout means fewer people to provide routine primary care and emergency care. It means access to care and quality of care will suffer. We are already seeing evidence of this. 4/7
Health workers nationwide have long grappled with systemic challenges that have driven burnout to record levels—from excessive workloads to physical/verbal abuse to poor access to mental health care. 2/7
hospital to thank the staff for their heroic work and to announce my new Surgeon General’s Advisory on a growing threat to the nation’s health: health worker burnout. 1/7
We owe our health workers a debt of gratitude and action, which is why I encourage you to read the advisory and consider your role in supporting our nation’s healers. Safeguarding health worker well-being protects their health, our health, and our entire health care system. 6/6
My Surgeon General’s Advisory lays out recommendations for health care organizations, policymakers, health insurers, and others to address the systemic causes of health worker burnout and improve well-being. Learn more: https://surgeongeneral.gov/burnout 5/6
Burnout was a crisis before #COVID19, and the pandemic has made it worse. Health workers nationwide face chronic workplace stress and abuse and are experiencing alarming levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression. 4/6
The stakes are high. If not addressed, the health worker burnout crisis will make it harder for patients to get care when they need it, cause health costs to rise, hinder our ability to prepare for the next public health emergency, and worsen health disparities. 3/6
Over the past 2+ years, health workers have been on the frontlines of the #COVID19 pandemic, where they not only saved lives, but in too many cases, sacrificed their own health and the health of their families as they served others. 2/6
Each of us play a critical role in preventing and addressing hate crimes. Whether it be at the local, state, or federal level, we can confront bias-related incidents and protect the safety and security of our neighbors near and far. 2/2
announced a series of actions to deter & confront hate crimes in our communities. These steps come on the one-year anniversary of enactment of the #COVID19 Hate Crimes Act—affirming that hate and violence are not our values as a nation. 1/2
Every day, emergency medical service (EMS) providers work tirelessly before, during, and after a crisis to protect their communities. To all our EMS workers: thank you for your life-saving skills, service, and courage. We owe you a great debt of gratitude this #EMSWeek.
It is always an honor and a great privilege to speak to our nation’s future healers as they reach this milestone and become doctors. Congratulations to the
Sr. Airman Derick Sherwood is a respiratory therapist based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. While he is recognized for his selflessness, I admire his willingness to speak so openly about reaching out for #MentalHealth support. #RxforGraditude 1/2
While most children don't get severely ill with #COVID19, some children can become seriously ill. Take the extra step today to protect your child against serious illness and hospitalization. 2/2
authorized a booster dose for Pfizer-BioNTech's #COVID19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. This is an important step in our ongoing effort to ensure kids 5-11 continue to have protection against the most serious consequences of #COVID19. 1/2
#MentalHealthAction Day is a chance to take steps to better our own mental health & support those we love. Join me today in resolving to check in regularly on someone you love. Person by person, we have the power to help each other heal. #MentalHealth
For our #MentalHealthAction Forum, @surgeon_general reminded us of the power of looking out for one another, leading by example, and that "Movements are ultimately built and sustained when we change hearts and minds."
Head to http://mentalhealthishealth.us for additional resources
Betsy is admired for her great passion and deep commitment for underserved communities. She is a light and inspiration to me and so many. Thank you, Betsy for your service. #RxforGraditude 2/2
Meet Betsy, a physician assistant who has provided tremendous care & support to her patients in Queens, NY during the pandemic. She's one of many health workers who have been tirelessly fighting #COVID19. I recently gave Betsy a call to thank her for all she has done. 1/2
in the launch of the Maternal Mental Health Hotline. This hotline will provide support for expecting and new mothers experiencing #MentalHealth challenges. https://go.usa.gov/xuvS4 3/4
In fact, perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorders affect 1 out of every 5-7 women and can happen anytime during pregnancy or the first year postpartum. 2/4
Pregnancy and childbirth bring dramatic changes to your life—and your physical and mental health. While it can be a joyful time, many factors, including biological changes, leave many women feeling sad or overwhelmed. 1/4
, & several young people about addressing #YouthMentalHealth through storytelling & media. Together, we’re building a movement to protect the mental health & emotional well-being of our nation’s youth. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
I am in awe of their resilience, and how they are empowering others to take care of their mental health.
No one has to face these challenges alone.
If you or a loved one are struggling, please visit http://mentalhealth.gov.
Diana is a first-generation Chinese-American immigrant who is working to de-stigmatize mental illness, particularly among immigrant families, and increase access to affordable, quality treatment for teenagers.