Partnership Will Help Companies Incorporate Employee Mental Health as Part of their Workforce Well-being Strategy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the National Council for Behavioral Health today announced a partnership to help companies offer a workplace mental health training program. The National Council’s Mental Health First Aid at Work training helps businesses of all sizes provide employees with mental health awareness tools and skills. This partnership will enable National Council to bring mental health resources, such as Mental Health First Aid at Work, to more workplaces around the country.
“At the U.S. Chamber Foundation, we know that when employees are empowered to live their healthiest lives, they are more engaged and productive at work,” said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president, U.S. Chamber Foundation. “Mental Health First Aid at Work will help companies continue to build a culture of health for their employees and communities.”
The National Business Group on Health estimates that in 2018, 41% of missed work days by employees were attributed to mental health issues. Mental Health First Aid at Work is a training program that teaches participants how to notice and support an individual who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use concern or crisis, and connect them with the appropriate employee resources. More than 1 million people across the country have been trained since the National Council brought the program to the Unites States in 2008.
“Good health is good business—and that includes mental health,” said Charles Ingoglia, president and CEO for the National Council. “Mental Health First Aid has already made a difference in countless lives and we are looking forward to partnering with the Chamber Foundation to bring this training to workplaces around the country.”
For nearly twenty years, the U.S. Chamber Foundation has been a leading resource for businesses dedicated to making a difference. The partnership with the National Council, the unifying voice of America’s health care organizations that deliver mental health and addictions services, will help companies focus on the holistic well-being of their employees. Mental Health First Aid at Work is a skills-based, experiential, and evidence-based practice that helps foster employee engagement and is tailored to complement existing employee wellness programs.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. The Foundation educates the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.
About The National Council for Behavioral Health
The National Council for Behavioral Health is the unifying voice of America’s health care organizations that deliver mental health and addictions treatment and services. Together with 3,000 member organizations serving over 10 million adults, children and families living with mental illnesses and addictions, the National Council is committed to all Americans having access to comprehensive, high-quality care that affords every opportunity for recovery. The National Council introduced Mental Health First Aid USA and more than 1.7 million Americans have been trained. For more information, visit www.TheNationalCouncil.org and www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.
