How GPBCH is Promoting Mental Health Advocacy at Work

The Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health (GPBCH) is a membership organization open to any employer that is headquartered or has a significant employee presence in their service area, including the five counties of the Philadelphia region (Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware), the State of Delaware and Southern New Jersey (Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic and Cape May Counties).

Their mission is to enhance the value of healthcare spending for the region’s employers by promoting workforce and community health, improving healthcare quality and safety, and reducing costs. GPBCH represents the interests of employers in collaborating with health plans, healthcare providers, benefits consultants, suppliers and other system stakeholders. Their goal is to address population health priorities and ensure that when healthcare is needed, it is accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality and safe.

In an interview with Neil Goldfarb, president and CEO of the GPBCH, he discusses how stigma has long been a barrier to people seeking mental health support, particularly through services like employee assistance programs. Many individuals may fear being perceived as different, which prevents them from utilizing available resources. However, he says progress is being made in both the workplace and nationally to reduce this stigma. There is still much work to be done, but the key message is that employees need to advocate for their own mental health.

To support this, employees should actively educate themselves on the benefits and services provided by their employers, health insurers and healthcare providers. Additionally, there are many self-management tools available, such as mental health apps, mindfulness programs, cognitive behavioral therapy and mental health first aid training for managers. Employers are increasingly offering these resources to help their workforce.

Goldfarb explains it is important for employees to take the time to review any materials provided by their employer or health plan, and to keep them accessible for when they are needed. Although employers are working to improve access to resources, employees must also engage with the tools and services available to them. In essence, he says fostering mental health in the workplace is a joint effort between employers and employees.