Lorna Breen’s Legacy: Why Policy Change Saves Lives at Work with Corey Feist

When it comes to workplace mental health, culture and self-care matter, but policy is the game-changer. In this episode, I sit down with Corey Feist, a healthcare leader who turned personal tragedy into national reform. After losing his sister-in-law, Dr. Lorna Breen, to suicide, Corey co-founded the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, leading a movement to remove systemic barriers that keep workers from seeking mental health care.

Today, their advocacy has reached more than 1.5 million healthcare workers nationwide, influencing laws, licensing, credentialing, and insurance practices across the country. Corey shares why changing applications and legal protections is a matter of life and death.

Policy is prevention. Listen in as Corey Feist makes the case that changing systems saves lives and learn how your organization can take the first step this quarter to remove barriers and protect your workforce.

We discuss:

How do workplace policies impact employee mental health?

What is the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, and what do they do?
Why do doctors and professionals fear seeking mental health care?
How can changing credentialing and licensing questions improve workplace wellbeing?
What lessons from healthcare can apply to mental health policies in other industries?
What are the most effective workplace mental health policy changes?

Awareness to Action -- Getting a Quick Start on Building a Robust Workplace Mental Health Program: Interview with Steven Frost | Ep 18

Raising awareness about mental health issues in the workplace is crucial, but it is not enough on its own. Taking action is equally important. Awareness alone does not create tangible changes or provide support for employees who are struggling. Workplace mental health program development should go beyond simply acknowledging the issue and actively work to implement strategies that promote mental well-being, reduce bias, and provide resources for support. By taking action, organizations can create a culture of care, where employees feel supported and empowered to seek help when needed. Action-oriented programs make a real difference in improving mental health outcomes and creating a healthier work environment for everyone involved.

In this interview I speak with workplace mental health advocate Steven Frost. Steven shares these three tips for a quick start to building a workplace mental health program are:

Gain Leadership Buy-in: Messaging of unwavering support from key leaders empowers cultural shifts
Develop a Diverse Team: Representative champion's voices must be heard.
Gather Resources: Upstream, midstream and downstream