October 10^th is World Mental Health Day. For 2023, the World Health Organization has chosen the campaign theme: Mental health is a universal human right.

Per their statement:

This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community.

I wanted to take a look at how SAS promotes these rights both through the work that employees do and the support they receive from SAS. I took the above statement and broke it into three categories that I see represented.

The right to be protected from mental health risks

How does the work of SAS impact preventative measures for mental health?

I found plenty of examples of work being done by SAS to improve mental health outcomes, including:

• Compassion International uses advanced analytics to help millions of children from impoverished nations secure food, medical care and educational resources to grow, learn and thrive
• San Bernardino County uses data management and advanced analytics to improve care and address misconceptions
• Data tells stories that have the power to transform the mental health system so everyone who needs help receives high-quality, culturally competent care
• Medical research facility Black Dog Institute partners with SAS to support health care workers’ mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health uses SAS® Analytics to improve care and streamline hospital operations

Mental Health First Aid defines protective factors as, "individuals, families or communities that support resilience, help people more effectively manage stressful events, and strengthen other characteristics that minimize the risk of mental health or substance use challenges."

A drive through campus or a quick peruse of InsideSAS, you can find protective factors for employees like:

• Access to nature and walking trails
• Affordable, fresh food options (Including my favorite made-to-order breakfast omelet. Thank you SAS café for keeping this parent-who-didn’t-have-time-to-grab-breakfast-before-daycare-drop-off fed!)
• Tennis courts, soccer fields, a baseball diamond, a pool, gym and many more outdoor and indoor opportunities for movement from the RFC. Recorded and streamed workouts making movement available to all, seated mobility exercises included.
• The SAS US Sick Time Policy affirms that mental health is just as important as physical health and sick leave can be used to recover from stress or work-related burnout.
• SAS’s commitment to Six Pillars of Well-being: Emotional, Physical, Social, Career, Financial, Community
• Informative financial wellness resources including free financial consultations from the US and Global Employee Assistance Programs.

The right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care

How does SAS ensure access to care for employees AND families? As a social worker who takes a systems approach, I appreciate that resources for employees are also made available for families. All in the household/unit are supported in order for the employee to be truly supported.

• Since 1984, SAS has offered free, comprehensive healthcare to SAS employees and family members covered by the PPO plan. An on-campus pharmacy ensures easy access to needed medications, many of which are guaranteed lower prices than retail for brand name drugs.
• Three Registered Dietitian/Nutritionists offer consultations to NC residents on the PPO plan. All employees have access to nutritious recipes and webinars.
• The US and Global Employee Assistance Programs offer FREE, confidential counseling and a 24/7 crisis line. This means money and accessibility are not limiting factors to seeking support.
• The US and Global Employee Assistance Programs also offer individualized mental health programs named myStrength (US) and Optum Mindful Matters (Global).
• Those on the SAS health plan have 24/7 access to virtual counseling via Teladoc
• The Work/Life Center is staffed by four Masters level social workers who connect employees and family members to mental health resources including therapists, psychiatrists, support groups, outpatient and residential treatment programs, online resources and more.

The right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community

How does SAS foster inclusion and community?

• All employees have access to education through the Active Allies Resource Center and several “Be An Ally” toolkits, including one on mental health and mental illness.
• SAS has Seven Employee Inclusion Groups that foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Career development and internal mobility resources ensure access to career well-being and growth within SAS.

 

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