MEDIA CONTACT
Jeff Powell, (402) 471-6223,
jeff.powell@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, Neb. – Each year, the first full week of April is considered “National Public Health Week" and is a time to recognize the contributions of public health and the thousands of workers who have served on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.
Public health workers responded to the pandemic with unimagined workload burdens from contact tracing to slow the spread of disease, to unprecedented testing and vaccination efforts, to coordinating a myriad of other community response activities, all while keeping their traditional activities afloat. In addition, workers also experienced the personal crisis of deaths and illness in their families, and within their ranks.
While the courage and dedication of public health workers are without dispute, the past two years have left many in the field exhausted both physically and emotionally. A recent study of over 45,000 staff in state and local public health systems across the country identified some troubling statistics:
- More than half of public health employees report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. And 1 in 5 say their mental health is either fair or poor.
- Many public health workers, especially those in leadership roles, report experiencing bullying, threats, and harassment.
- 1 in 4 public health employees say they are considering leaving their organization.
Despite these challenges, the same survey showed that 94% of workers believe their work is important and 93% are determined to show up and give their best effort every day.
In response to this troubling attrition and the need to focus on the mental health of public health workers, the Department's Division of Public Health will be working to rejuvenate the public health workforce through promoting public health careers in Nebraska, honoring Nebraska's responders and promoting trust in addition to contributing towards future continuity planning.
“After two years of serving on the frontlines of the pandemic, our public health workers are tired. It is important that we nourish and reignite our teammates and partners," said Chief Medical Officer Gary Anthone. “Nebraskans can do this by supporting our public health and medical workers and recognizing their brave efforts. A simple thank you goes a long way."
There are resources available for frontline workers experiencing stress-related disorders, compassion fatigue, and burnout.
If you're concerned that you or someone in your household may harm themselves or someone else:
If you feel overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety:
If you need to find treatment or mental health providers in your area: