Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office (NLO) at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), and Dr. Ruthie Fesahazion-Fortune, Project Director for Clinical Affairs at BCBSA, discuss the mental health crisis facing American workers. In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, they explore common mental health challenges, workplace impacts and BCBSA’s strategies to address these issues.
Logue began by stating that mental health encompasses emotional, psychological and social well-being, and impacts how people think, feel and act. One in five adults currently experiences a mental health condition, with many lacking access to necessary treatment. Meanwhile, labor groups face specific challenges, including stress from high-pressure environments, anxiety related to job security, depression from long hours and burnout from physical and emotional exhaustion. Fesahazion-Fortune explained that the issues created by poor mental health could significantly impact workplace productivity, absenteeism and overall employee well-being.
Meanwhile, the mental health stigma remains a significant barrier, with approximately 8 in 10 workers feeling shame about their mental health state. Fesahazion-Fortune explained that this stigma often prevents individuals from seeking treatment and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and isolation. Adding that young professionals are particularly affected, with more than half reporting a need for help with emotional or mental health problems in the past year. Despite the clear need, Logue said that over 70 percent of employers believe offering additional mental health benefits is too costly, highlighting a disconnect between leadership's understanding and the needs of the workforce.
To address these mental health challenges, Fesahazion-Fortune said that Blue Cross Blue Shield companies are using three main pillars: improving access to quality and affordable care; reducing stigma by creating a culture of addressing health; and addressing youth mental health. She said between 2019 and 2023, they increased their network of behavioral health providers by 55 percent, now offering over 450,000 providers across all 50 states. Fesahazion-Fortune added that all Blue Cross Blue Shield companies offer virtual behavioral health programs, further expanding access to resources for those in need.
Listen to the full episode for more insights on mental health in the workplace and NLO and BCBSA’s work to address the mental health needs of the union workforce.