Thursday, August 26, 2021 1:00 - 2:00 PM (EDT)

TOPIC DESCRIPTION & OVERVIEW

In this timely and relevant interactive session, Dr. Tammy McCoy-Arballo, former journalist and now licensed clinical psychologist, discusses the toll this prolonged pandemic has taken on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of public health professionals and their families. She will focus on the science behind our reactions to stress, burnout, compassion fatigue and other mental health issues, and offer attendees tools to improve their work-life balance and overall quality of life.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

More than half of public health workers reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or suicidal ideation during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A survey of more than 26,000 state, tribal, local and territorial public health workers in March and April found that 53% of respondents reported at least one mental health symptom in the prior two weeks preceding the survey, with the highest prevalence reported among younger respondents, and transgender or nonbinary respondents. Public health workers who reported certain workplace practices, such as long work hours and the inability to take time off, were more likely to have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Implementing prevention and control practices that eliminate, reduce, and manage workplace factors that cause or contribute to public health workers’ adverse mental health status might improve mental health outcomes during this and other public health emergencies, the study found.

DISCUSSION STYLE/FORMAT/DURATION

Interactive discussion with audience participation. Poll questions will be offered along with chat function feedback. Duration - 60 minutes