CUIMC Hosts Mental Health Fair for Employees
Columbia University Irving Medical Center hosted a mental health fair on Oct. 22 in the 50 Haven Lounge and Ballroom. The event was designed as an opportunity to gain understanding and awareness of campus mental health resources during the month of October, specifically focused on the theme of “Compassion, Connection, and Support.”
This year's fair was a collaboration between CUIMC Events; CUIMC HR; the Well-Being Office; the Office of Engagement, Retention, and Growth; the Office of Work/Life; CUHR; POWER (Promoting Overall Well-Being, Engagement, and Resilience) in Pediatrics; and CUIMC leadership and schools.
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a variety of relaxation activities, including tai chi and acupuncture, and workshops focused on food, knowing when to get help, and finding meaning in the workplace.
In addition, attendees were offered a range of resources from several CUIMC departments and groups, including CopeColumbia, ColumbiaDoctors, the Office of Academic and Community Partnerships, and the Institute of Human Nutrition. Participants received tips on volunteer opportunities in the Washington Heights community, healthy eating habits, and ways to unplug from their smartphones in a digital world. Attendees also received CUIMC-branded giveaway bags with an adult coloring book and a green ribbon to wear in honor of mental health awareness.
Katrina Armstrong, dean of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, was present to open the fair and remarked on the resilience of staff in the past year and the importance of mental health and well-being.
“We look at the last year and the challenges that so many people are facing, and I just think that there is nothing more important than coming together to recognize that we don't have to do this alone,” said Armstrong.
“If we do it together, if we come together to support each other, to recognize the challenges and to use our resources, I couldn't believe more strongly that there's nothing we can't do,” said Armstrong
Sony Jean-Michel Thornton, senior business partner for CUIMC HR, said that it was critical to continue the mental health awareness event on an annual basis.
“It has been such a challenging and difficult year for the university, for the world, for America, so it is important for us to continue to provide our employees with a wide variety of modalities and programs to support their mental health,” Thornton said.
Sherley Desulme Willis, senior business partner for CUIMC HR, encouraged employees to join future well-being events.
“The reason we have these types of events is because it is an opportunity for employee engagement,” said Willis. “We hope people do enjoy these events and we hope to see you next year.”
Watch a video recap of this year’s mental health event below.