Bayhealth recently announced it has been recognized as a 2025 Wellbeing First Champion by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation.

Credentialing applications for Bayhealth physicians and advance practice clinicians, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners, have been verified by foundation representatives to be free from intrusive and stigmatizing language around mental health care and treatment.

“With the help of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, we’ve been able to institute best practices for Bayhealth,” said Tom Vaughan, MD, Bayhealth Medical Staff Wellness Committee chair. “We have taken these steps to ensure that Bayhealth physicians and advanced practice clinicians can seek needed care without fear of losing their license or job.”

“Across the country, healthcare workers are at an increased risk for burnout and health conditions,” said Corey Feist, co-founder and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. “Many healthcare workers feel they cannot speak up about their mental health without being criticized by colleagues or losing their jobs. Today, physicians and nurses die by suicide at two times the rate of the general population. We as a nation must better protect these lives, and I applaud our Wellbeing First Champions for their leadership to support the well-being of healthcare workers.”

“It's gratifying to know that Bayhealth is joining with the leading healthcare systems in the nation when it comes to advocating for the mental health care needs of our team,” said Vaughan. “Members of our staff need to know they can get the help they need when they need it without the stigma that often comes with mental health care.”