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May 2022| Issue 24
Member-owner schools: Ready to step it up on June 6?
That's when the edHEALTH walking challenge begins.

That's right, in just one week, the 5th annual walking challenge kicks off. We're hoping all edHEALTH schools will participate, as it promotes team spirit on the campus, healthy habits, and fun rewards.
Key Walking Challenge information to know:

Challenge length: Runs from June 6 through July 4, 2022.

High-level overview:
1) Each member-owner school, along with edHEALTH, makes up one team

2) Individuals participate by creating an account, connecting devices, and logging activity in the Living Well health portal, which is provided in partnership with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan

3) Any employee of an edHEALTH school can participate. (Employees don't need to receive coverage from Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Health Plan, or Trustmark)

4) A weekly prize is awarded to each school from a drawing of eligible participants plus the school with the highest average steps earns a trophy and an end-of-year celebration with an ice cream social.

Where to find program details: Our current member-owner school contacts should've received your Walking Challenge flyer via email on May 19th. For quick reference, edHEALTH schools can download now based on their health plan insurer:

Questions?
Here to help! Please email either of the following for assistance:
3 healthcare-related reads you may find interesting
Cost increases in terms of dollars and workplace challenges from COVID-19

Challenges come in many forms, especially when it comes to the workplace.

Here are a couple of articles on cost increases in healthcare and a perspective on long COVID affecting the workplace.
Photo by Emily Underworld
May is mental health awareness month: Why workplaces should support employees year-round
Rates of mental illness continue to increase across the country
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn't helped the world when it comes to mental health and well-being. People continue to suffer for many reasons, be it fear, isolation, loss of job security, mourning loved ones, or new health issues. That is, in part, why rates of mental illness or depression are trending upward.

Mental Health America's 2022 State of Mental Health report indicates:
  • 19.86% of adults are experiencing a mental illness
  • Nearly 5% are experiencing a severe condition
  • Statistics range by state, with Utah at 16.37% to New Jersey at 26.86%

These numbers translate to nearly 50 million Americans affected. That's why organizations need to support employees when it comes to mental health. Offering solid benefits is just the beginning. Reminding employees of available resources, both benefits and public information available, and taking small but important steps to reduce work stress can pay off in many ways.

3 tips to help reduce stress in the workplace
In the Harvard Pilgrim Review, Natalia Peart, Ph.D. highlights many ways employers can help in making work less stressful and more engaging for employees.

We think these three simple tips are especially valuable to consider implementing as the norm in many organizations:

  1. Build regular break times into the workday, e.g., encourage your team to step outside after many meetings
  2. Recognize the need for private workspaces when team members need to focus, like allowing them to put up a do not disturb sign or to work offsite
  3. Create a culture of recognition, or finding ways to show appreciation (e.g., verbal praise in front of coworkers or unexpected gestures) go a long way to making people happier
Telehealth continues to play an important role in behavioral services.
In the figure below from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), you'll see how providers and patients continue to use the digital platform for behavioral health services far more than other types of outpatient visits
Read more about how telehealth continues to support mental health services in KFF's March 2022 report.
Resources available to help any campus or workplace
Many non-profit organizations provide free resources to support health and well-being. You can use these downloads in a variety of ways, internal newsletters, flyers in shared spaces, or posted on intranet sites. Here are three sources you may find helpful in promoting mental health awareness and overall health and well-being.
For edHEALTH member schools: Flyers to share with your employees
All the health plans available through edHEALTH offer a wide range of behavioral health support, especially when it comes to telehealth visits. The following flyers can help with online resource libraries or other communications you may do to support faculty and staff in getting the appropriate mental health and substance abuse care.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care: Behavioral health overview and Doctor On Demand
Annual Member-Owner meeting is just around the corner on June 22
edHEALTH member-owners: Have you RSVPed to join us this year?

By now, edHEALTH members and our business partners should've received their invitation from our President and CEO Tracy Hassett. Attendance this year is especially important as the agenda includes a strategic planning session.

Since space is limited, we're asking everyone to RSVP with preferences for a breakout session as soon as possible.

Hope to see you at the Connors Center.
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Interested in learning more about the many benefits of edHEALTH?
Call Nancy McConaghy at 1.866.692.7473 ext. 702 or send her an email.
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