Culture of Wellness Project

VCPI is supporting the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) in a collaborative effort to focus on the issue of wellness. Mental health and physical health are fundamentally linked and a focus on overall wellness is becoming commonplace in practices that have traditionally treated either physical or mental health—but not both. With an increased understanding of the fact that people living with a serious mental illness are at higher risk of experiencing a wide range of chronic physical conditions, now mental health practices, as well as the doctor’s office and hospitals, are being called upon to focus in more holistic and integrated ways.  Similarly, we have gained in our understanding of the importance of attending to both the physical and mental well-being of those who work in helping professions. Health challenges can impact a staff member’s abilities in their work and sometimes the challenges of the work can impact the health of the staff member.

The Culture of Wellness project is designed to assist practices in addressing both of these issues, while maintaining the flexibility to allow each participating provider to focus their efforts in their individual priority areas.  The initiative is using an array of strategies including the use of a national consultant who focuses specifically on developing and supporting initiatives to address these complex issues. Participants will also have the opportunity to share emerging best practices with one another, and the benefit of VDH’s significant experience in supporting behavioral change to improve health.

Lastly, we are using proven technology for maximizing the potential of sustainable cultural change in these settings, such as beginning this work with a group of change champions from participating organizations who will play an important role in integrating the new efforts.

We look forward to keeping you updated about the progress of this new project and welcome your questions and ideas.