Polk County is known for its citrus, cattle, agriculture, and phosphate industries, which play a vital role in contributing toward a healthy state economy. Locally, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners has stepped up in a big way to support their employees: leaders have created an environment and culture where employees feel safe and heard. The county offers many unique programs around mental health support for its employees. These include: Holding multiple trainings and certifications in supporting an individual’s mental, physical, and professional well-being through Organizational ..read more

From offering live messaging with a mental health coach to deploying an Organizational Culture Survey, Mosaic continues to stand out for its commitment to mental wellness. The company, which has placed an emphasis on raising awareness of psychological health and removing any negative stigma associated with it, not only demonstrates to workers that Mosaic cares about their overall health and wellbeing, but with their Bell Seal designation, is capturing a wider audience. Mosaic’s new EAP provider offers a variety of resources to support employees’ psychological health and well-being. This includ ..read more

Every day the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay assists individuals in crisis. They very quickly realized that having a mentally healthy staff enhances the quality of care and support they provide to those seeking their help. “It became critically important to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes the mental well-being of our staff and to create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to prioritize their mental well-being,” said Joshua Kwasnicki, Senior Director of Talent Management. “Ultimately, it’s about creating a work environment where everyone c ..read more

Champions for Children doesn’t just advocate for children. The nonprofit organization champions the mental health and well-being of its employees with equal earnestness. And they have a platinum Bell Seal to show for it. “We understand that nurturing mental health in the workplace is not just a goal but a fundamental aspect of our mission to support families and prevent child abuse and neglect,” said Champions for Children CEO Amy Haile. “To us, fostering mental health in the workplace entails creating an environment that is not only safe and supportive but also conducive to productivity, enga ..read more

In this year’s Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health certification cycle, Florida distinguished itself with the most successful applicants, accounting for 14% of the total certifications awarded. Mental Health America credits this achievement to the dedicated efforts of Tampa Bay Thrives and the Gehring Group. The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health certification recognizes employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. Led by Mental Health America’s rich history in research and advocacy, the Bell Seal’s holistic evaluation of employer practices considers the entire employee ex ..read more

Mental Health Awareness Month is upon us, offering a prime opportunity to make a tangible difference in the Tampa Bay community. Dive into the toolkit below to harness powerful resources and embark on meaningful actions for mental health this month. An inclusive resource hub. Dive into Mental Health America’s 2024 toolkit, packed with free resources to fuel your efforts throughout May and beyond. From DIY tools to social media assets, there’s something for everyone. For businesses and organizations looking to get involved explore this page.  Breaking down stigma. Join our #IYKYK campaign ..read more

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year, we’re thinking big. Mental health challenges impact us all and there is so much work to be done to ensure every person has a chance to truly thrive.  As we advocate for mental health awareness and support in Tampa Bay, we invite both organizations and individuals to join the fight and make a difference. Ready to make an impact but not sure how to start?  For Your Organization:  For organizations, the time to prioritize mental health is now. From years of our own work, we know that organizations hold a lot of power and potential ..read more

In celebration of Alcohol Awareness Month, explore the diverse resources available to those seeking sobriety and well-being in Tampa Bay. Whether you’re committed to sobriety, sober curious, or dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for colleagues in the workplace, now is the ideal time to learn more and take the first step. Join the Phoenix Movement. At The Phoenix Tampa, embrace a community where everyone is welcomed with open arms. Whether you’re in recovery, sober-curious, or a supportive ally, The Phoenix leverages the power of connection and resilience to foster a vibrant sober ..read more

Many students are facing mental health challenges, but they don’t always feel comfortable talking to a guidance counselor. Some feel alone and think they’re the only ones struggling. It’s important to have more options and better support systems in schools. This feedback was gleaned from high schoolers from Brandon, Middleton, and Armwood high schools on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the 8th annual GradNation Community Summit at the Hilton Downtown Tampa. The summit, put on by the Alliance for Public Schools and title sponsor Tampa Bay Thrives, convened more than 300 students and community leader ..read more

Think of the word “leader.” Who comes to mind? Maybe it’s a public figure, a mentor, a parent, a peer, a coach, or a boss. How do you know they’re a good leader? While leadership is often associated with certain titles or roles, a good leader is most often recognized by how they make others feel rather than the specifics of their title. They shine when they are caring for people, lifting them up, and empowering them to do their very best. If the pandemic changed the ways that we work (and it did), it also changed the way we think about effective leadership. Perhaps one of its most noticeable c ..read more