Purdue University has been awarded the Platinum 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America (MHA), a leading nonprofit focused on mental health promotion and illness prevention. This certification acknowledges employers who actively create supportive environments for mental well-being.
In 2024, Purdue received a Silver Bell Seal, and this year’s upgrade to Platinum reflects the university’s enhanced commitment to employee mental health. Amy Boyle, Vice President for Human Resources, stated that the leadership team prioritizes mental health, recognizing its importance for the well-being and success of the community.
The Bell Seal evaluates workplace mental health practices across four key areas: 1. **Workplace Culture**: Scored at 96% 2. **Benefits that Support Mental Health**: Scored at 91% 3. **Caring Beyond Compliance**: Scored at 89% 4. **Holistic Wellness at Work**: Scored at 100%
Purdue’s overall score of 94% exceeds the requirements for Platinum certification, illustrating its dedication to fostering a mentally healthy workplace. Brandy Royer, Associate Director of Benefits in Human Resources, emphasized that this recognition serves as a benchmark for prioritizing employee well-being, which is essential for organizational success.
To support faculty and staff, Purdue offers various resources to manage daily life challenges. Benefits-eligible employees and their dependents on Purdue health plans can access behavioral health services at no cost through the Employee Assistance Program.
Key providers include: – **AllOne Health**: Available for employees in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Call 888-981-4692 or visit their member portal at AllOneHealth/DeerOaks. – **Bowen Center**: Offers services for Fort Wayne campus employees. Call 800-342-5653 for 24/7 assistance. – **Health Advocate**: Provides support for Purdue Global employees. Reach them at 877-240-6863 or via their website.
Additionally, Purdue’s **Beyond the Surface** mental health series aims to normalize discussions around mental health struggles and promote wellness through videos and resources.
Purdue’s health plans, administered by Anthem, cover a range of mental health services including medication, office visits, and both inpatient and outpatient treatments. Employees have access to online therapy and psychiatry through programs like **LiveHealth Online** and **LearntoLive**, which incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles. These services provide personalized coaching, support tools, and webinars, allowing users to engage with mental health resources conveniently.
Candace Shaffer, Associate Vice President of Benefits and Payroll in Human Resources, stated that Purdue is committed to ensuring all employees are aware of available mental health resources. The university aims to assist individuals facing mental health challenges while reinforcing the message that recovery is possible.
Purdue University remains focused on maintaining the standards set by the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health and intends to continue enhancing its efforts in employee mental health support. For more information on MHA and the Bell Seal program, visit mhanational.org.