Being Part of the Change: Advancing Health Workforce Well-Being Through Advocacy, Storytelling, and Action

By Joanna Barrett Therapy & Wellness

On March 18, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Healthcare Leadership Collaborative on Health Workforce Well-Being Day at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC. 

It was an inspiring day filled with meaningful conversations, thought-provoking discussions, and a shared commitment to improving the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. I had the privilege of connecting with amazing healthcare and related providers who are doing transformative work in the world, each bringing their unique expertise and passion to the table.

Throughout the day, I gained valuable insights on great leadership, organizational change, culture transformation, employee well-being, communication and conversations, essential skills for effective deep listening, and sharing effectively in storytelling. 

The interactive keynotes and panel discussions were engaging and rich with wisdom, reinforcing the critical role of systemic change and compassionate leadership in supporting the healthcare workforce. It was energizing to be in a space where professionals from various disciplines came together to collaborate, learn, and advocate for sustainable well-being in our field.

Gratitude to the following speakers for their insights:

• Carolyn Cumpsty-Fowler, Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Richard R. Smith, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
• Michael C. Bush, Great Place To Work
• Stephen Beeson, Practicing Excellence
• Kelly Holder, Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School
• Bernadette Melnyk, COPE2Thrive and Ohio State University
• Art Saavedra, VCU Health
• Meghan Swarthout, Johns Hopkins Health System
• Lee Daugherty Biddison, Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Jillian Horton, Author of We Are All Perfectly Fine
• Kate Murphy, Journalist and Author of You’re Not Listening
• Stefanie Simmons, Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
• J. Corey Feist, Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation

I am deeply grateful to the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation for organizing such an impactful event with Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Medicine, and for their unwavering dedication to supporting and protecting the mental health of healthcare professionals. As an Ambassador for the Foundation, I am honored to stand alongside so many passionate individuals working to create a culture where those who care for others receive the care and support they deserve. 

The commitment to reducing stigma, fostering resilience, and enacting meaningful change in the healthcare system is both urgent and necessary, and I am proud to be part of this movement. You, too, can support health workers’ access to mental health care. A stronger system is within reach.  Join our community to support and protect the well-being of the healthcare workforce.

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Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare