BluePearl’s new Wellness Ambassador program helps promote Associate health and well-being at our nationwide network of hospitals.
The veterinary profession is made up of dedicated and passionate individuals, ready to care for pets when they are most in need. However, too often the care we provide comes at an unseen emotional cost. We believe compassionate veterinary care starts with healthy, energized Associates. These past two years, more than ever, we’ve seen why supporting emotional well-being, as well as physical health, is an essential and valued part of our culture.
Helping Our Associates Help Others
Because promoting mental health is so important, we’ve launched the Wellness Ambassador program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to promote health and well-being among our 7,000+ Associates through specially trained Wellness Ambassadors. Wellness Ambassadors will serve as liaisons between our hospitals and veterinary social work and leadership teams, as well as champion Associate participation in wellness programs, training and events.
The BluePearl Health and Well-Being Team created the Wellness Ambassador program based on feedback from our Associates who sought help with applying our social work programs in their hospitals.
Wellness Ambassadors will be trained in Mental Health First Aid, a public education program that teaches individuals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. This training offers skills on providing timely intervention and appropriately supporting someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance abuse problem or crisis.
Program Goals
The overall goals of the Wellness Ambassador program are:
- To normalize discussion around mental health and substance abuse challenges in our workplace environments.
- Reduce the stigma often associated with lack of understanding of those who may be experiencing mental health or substance abuse challenges.
- Help others to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance abuse issue.
- Teach Associates and leadership how to address and engage with someone who may be experiencing mental health or substance abuse challenges.
Building a Bridge
Through this program, we hope to reach more veterinarians, technicians and support staff, increase awareness of and engagement in our well-being programs and build a sustainable culture of acceptance, support and unity.
We are fully committed to this initiative and hope to have 200 Mental Health First Aid-trained Wellness Ambassadors in our hospitals by the end of 2022. I will be participating in the program by becoming a Mental Health First Aider along with our president, Nick Nelson, and other members of BluePearl’s senior leadership team.
We want all our Associates and everyone providing care to know this important message: you are not alone.
Questions?
As always, feel free to reach out to your veterinary relations representatives with any concerns. We’re here for you.
