Cooper University Health Care has been recognized as a 2026 Wellbeing First Champion by ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare, a national coalition led by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation.
The designation recognizes Cooper’s commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of its workforce by ensuring its medical staff credentialing applications are free from intrusive or stigmatizing mental health questions.
As a Wellbeing First Champion, Cooper has verified that its credentialing process allows physicians and other health professionals to seek mental health care or treatment for substance use — confidentially and without fear that doing so could jeopardize their careers.
“We are proud to be recognized as a Wellbeing First Champion,“ said Alexa Hays, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and director of Cooper’s Compassion and Resiliency Experience (C.A.R.E.) Program and chair of the Clinician Joy in Practice Committee.
“This designation reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a culture where every team member feels safe, supported and empowered to prioritize their mental health. At Cooper, we know that supporting the well-being of our workforce is essential to providing exceptional care for our patients.”
Health care workers experience extraordinarily high rates of burnout, depression and anxiety, but many delay or avoid seeking care due to fear of professional repercussions. By aligning with the Wellbeing First initiative, Cooper is helping to remove those barriers and reinforce that mental health support is both encouraged and protected.
“Every health worker is a human being who carries the immense weight of caring for others,” said Corey Feist, CEO and co-founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. “For too long, caregivers have suffered in silence, fearing that seeking confidential mental health care would cost them the career they love.
“Cooper University Health Care is breaking that silence — sending a powerful, compassionate message to their workforce that your life matters as much as your livelihood, and you never have to choose between the two.”
Cooper offers a comprehensive range of mental health and emotional well-being resources, which include counseling and coaching through its Employee Assistance Program (Optum EWS); peer support programs that foster connection and mentorship for physicians and advanced practice providers; team support and empowerment sessions through the C.A.R.E. Program; and graduate medical education wellness programs and activities.
Together, these initiatives are designed to support team members at every stage of their careers, reinforcing Cooper’s longstanding commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
