The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is a small, primarily rural, local public health agency located in eastern Ontario, responsible for the delivery of public health services to the community. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the well-being and resilience of employees, who reported high levels of stress, trauma, and burnout. A mental health at work journey was initiated as part of the pandemic recovery planning process, in order to provide immediate supports for employees and put a strategic foundation in place to build upon for the future. Management and employee champions worked together to complete a situational assessment, MH@W logic model and plan, regular information emails, and advocate to management for enhanced workplace training and supports.
In the spring of 2023, the Health Unit was rewarded for its efforts by receiving Gold Level in Mental Health at Work.