Leadership

The president's strategy calls for training more mental health professionals, grants to address burnout in healthcare workers and expanding virtual options for behavioral health.

Tanya Blackmon, Novant Health's chief diversity officer, talks about engaging leaders and staff, dealing with resistance and tying inclusion to strategic goals.

Dr. Jennifer Mieres, Northwell’s chief diversity and inclusion officer, talks about getting buy-in, early struggles, signs of progress, and partnering with the community.

The Biden administration issued an order requiring most healthcare workers to get the COVID-19 vaccines. Healthcare employees will need to complete their vaccine cycle in a month.

In other news, UPMC hires a new chief lobbyist, HCA Healthcare names a new leader of a Florida hospital, and more.

Dr. Lorna Breen died by suicide early in the COVID-19 pandemic. A foundation formed in her honor helped craft federal legislation to help healthcare workers, and it is just getting started.

Two healthcare experts said the COVID-19 pandemic shows the need for better and more open plans.

The leader of the American Medical Association said it’s time for a more robust healthcare system, telehealth reform and a larger, more diverse workforce.

A survey of 400 healthcare financial leaders identified several other challenges, but the tough job market topped the list.

Kim Drumgo said she hopes to get people to think differently about diversity, equity, and inclusion. She talks about the work needed to embed those principles throughout the central Pennsylvania health system.

Female doctors get lower starting salaries in nearly every subspecialty, and that gap continues later in their careers, a new study found.

The legislation would provide grants to address mental health and burnout in the healthcare profession. The bill was named for a doctor who died by suicide early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The majority of nurses from minority groups say they’ve personally experienced racism, either from peers or managers. Nurses are demanding change.

The pandemic has wiped out years of progress in improving the safety of patients, federal officials say. More must be done to protect patients and workers, and more federal oversight could be in the mix.

In other executive news, Mass Brigham General names its first chief medical officer, and Baptist Memorial names a new chief nursing executive.

A group pushing for reforms in the drug discount program said participating hospitals should provide more free or discounted care. Hospitals counter the report doesn’t capture the amount of care they provide for vulnerable patients.

Issues of pay and equity are drawing more attention. There are significant differences in compensation among similar hospitals.

Most doctors are married or in committed relationships, and most say they are happy with their relationships. Healthcare organizations can do more to promote work-life balance, some say.

Only 12% of American adults are proficient in health literacy. Providers need to find ways to communicate with patients in ways they can understand.

In other news, Kaiser Permanente names a new leader for its southern California and Hawaii markets, and the longtime leader of Lovelace Health System is retiring.

Healthcare saw the highest workplace illness and injury numbers of any industry in the country. The Labor Department is urging healthcare companies to work for a safer year.

Most nurses said they need more support at work, but a new survey found few are seeking counseling. Advocates say nurses are dealing with far more than "burnout."

Louisiana is leading the effort to overturn the mandate, just days before workers in some states must get their first dose. Healthcare workers in some states must be fully vaccinated by the end of the month.

It’s not enough to note disparities affecting Black communities, Rachel Hardeman says. It’s time to quantify how racism affects health policy in order to make changes.

While intentional drug overdose deaths appear to be declining, more are being reported among young people, older Americans and Black women.