Designation verifies that the health system does not include invasive mental health questions on credentialing applications

University of Missouri Health Care and the Mizzou School of Medicine have earned recognition as a Wellbeing First Champion for 2025 by ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare.

As a Wellbeing First Champion, the MU Health system has verified that credentialing applications are free from intrusive and stigmatizing language around mental health care and treatment. This means employees can seek needed care without fear or losing their license or job.

“The wellbeing of our health care team is essential to the care we provide our patients,” said Dr. Shelly Farnan, chief wellness officer. “We are proud to be recognized as a Wellbeing First Champion, and we remain committed to building a culture where caring for the well-being of our healers strengthens the care we provide every patient.”  

Verification that all invasive or stigmatizing language around mental health has been removed from applications is confirmed annually by ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare, a coalition of leading health care organizations that work to eliminate barriers for health workers to access mental health care.  

“Across the country, health workers are at an increased risk for burnout and mental health conditions,” said Corey Feist, co-founder of ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. “Many health workers feel they cannot speak up about their mental health without being criticized by colleagues or losing their jobs. Today, physicians and nurses die by suicide at two times the rate of the general population. We as a nation must better protect these lives, and I applaud our Wellbeing First Champions for their leadership to support the wellbeing of health workers.”

To learn more about how MU Health Care and Mizzou School of Medicine supports its employees, visit Well-Being - University of Missouri School of Medicine.

Contact: Eric Maze, mazee@health.missouri.edu, (573) 884-3656