WELLNESS WELLNESS
Researchshowsthatexperiencing temporallandmarkscanboost motivationtopursuegoals.1Andin fall,aseasonwe’resocially conditionedtoassociatewithgoing backtoschool,thatmotivationmay bedirectedtowardourcareersin adulthood. Clicktoreadmore.
StaffWellnessSurveyResults
YourVoice,YourWellness
Thankstoeveryonewhosharedfeedbackinthe recentDBHIDSWellnessSurvey!Moststafffeel supportedandawareofwellnessactivities,with strongencouragementfromsupervisorsand leadership.Insightsoncommunicationandhowstaff stayinformedwillhelpshapefutureefforts,making wellnessmorevisible,accessible,andresponsive.
Wellness at DBHIDS
MISSION
Tocultivateasupportiveworkplacethatempowersholistic well-beingbypromotingphysical,mental,andemotional healthwhileprovidingemployeeswithresourcestothrive personallyandprofessionally.
VISION
Weenvisionaworkplacethatfostersacultureofwell-being, resilience,andcollectivegrowthwhereeveryemployeehas theopportunitytoflourish.
JULIE HUDSON JULIE HUDSON
WELLNESS CHAMPION
SPOTLIGHT
How long have you be
I’ve been with CB Clinical Care Man
What does being a W Bridging the gap colleagues in pur also means givin treatment-avoid in our city.
What’s a small change you’ve made recently to improve your ove I’ve struggled with my weight most of my life. Recentl program and met with a nutritionist to better unders which helps strengthen my optimism during times of
How do you manage stress at work, and what strategies do you f I’m grateful for my amazing team in Children’s Comm on colleagues to notice and lift me up. Boundaries he prayer, writing, exercise, or coloring help quiet my mi
How do you maintain a work-life
Boundaries are key, and m texts or calls after 10 p.m identifying what restores daily or weekly routine to
What role do you think team bo
When you build commun feel like work. It gives you small wins. It feels good t space with those you’d ra
What’s the best way to get in touc I’m always accessible via e
een with DBHIDS, and what is your role?
BH for almost a year and a half. My current role is nager, Office of the Chief Clinical Officer, CBH
ellness Champion mean to you?
between work and life means supporting myself and rsuing health goals that promote wellness in all areas. It ng voice to people who are underserved, unheard, or ant, and carrying the mantle of whole-person well-being
erall well-being?
ly, I joined CBH’s Health Fitness Connection 90-day stand my body and options. I also work with a therapist, uncertainty and change. find most helpful?
munity Based Services. When I need support, I can count elp me keep work and life separate, while meditation, ind.
e balance, and what tips would you share with others?
mine aren’t all rigid. My top boundary is not answering m., everyone knows I value my sleep. I recommend s you when you’re running low and making it part of your o prevent burnout.
nding and social connections play in overall wellness at work? ity and connect positively with co-workers, work doesn’t u a group who understands your frustrations, limits, and to see people you like and respect instead of sharing ather avoid.
ch with you?
email or teams at Julie.Hudson@phila.gov.
Real Wellness in Uncertain Times
“Andrea’s session felt informal yet highly informative and engaging, I loved every minute of it.” - Anonymous participant
On July 16, DBHIDS staff gathered for Real Wellness Talk: In Uncertain Times, led by Andrea October, CBH Manager for Provider Training and Development.
The session offered more than just information, it created space. A space to reflect on the last five years, to name the exhaustion, overwhelm, and uncertainty many of us have felt, and to normalize those experiences in community with one another. Andrea invited staff to pause, share honestly, and honor both challenges and triumphs.
What unfolded was powerful. Staff laughed together, shed tears, and recognized one another’s resilience. From celebrating personal victories to acknowledging collective fatigue, the conversation reminded us that wellness is not about perfection, it’s about being real, human, and connected.
Andrea blended professional insight with personal warmth, making the session feel approachable yet deeply meaningful. By modeling openness, she helped staff see that wellness is not an extra task to add to our to-do lists, but a way of supporting ourselves and each other as we navigate uncertainty.
Thank you, Dre, for sharing your time, talent, and knowledge with your DBHIDS family. Your leadership reminds us that even in uncertain times, we can find strength, joy, and wellness... together.
Step Into Wellness: Join
a DBHIDS Wellness Walk!
Clear your head, stretch your legs, and connect with colleagues during our DBHIDS Wellness Walks. Join on your own, bring a friend, or walk with your team, it’s an easy way to recharge in the middle of the day.
Walks start from 1601 Market, 1101 Market, and 701 Market, with options at noon or 1 p.m.
Check the intranet calendar for dates and details. To receive an Outlook invite, email Christe.Lee@phila.gov.
Mental Health in the Workplace with
Dr. Marquita Williams
On July 23, DBHIDS staff joined a lively, personal session with Interim Commissioner Dr. Marquita Williams, who answered staff questions on mental health, grief, burnout, and wellness. Ahead of the event, Dr. Williams shared a video invitation encouraging staff to submit questions, setting the tone for a warm and meaningful conversation.
KeyTakeaways:
Leadership can foster wellness by setting boundaries, honoring communication styles, and supporting staff well-being. It’s okay to ask for help and prioritize self-care, especially on stressful days. Small daily habits, pausing, moving, or checking in with colleagues, make a big difference.
Acknowledging grief, collective stress, and caregiving challenges is key to caring for yourself and others.
Thank you, Dr. Williams, for your time, and insights!
Creative Hour
Needamidweekreset?Takeabreakandjoinusfor CreativeHour,arelaxed,socialspacetorechargeand connectwhileworkingonsomethingcreative.Bring yourknitting,crochet,sketchbook,papercrafts,digital design,oreventhatprojectyou’vebeenmeaningto finish.
Noexperienceneeded,justcuriosity,creativity,and goodcompany.
Tuesdaysfrom12:30to1:30p.m. 1101MarketSt.,7thFloor,MainConferenceRoom Allstaffarewelcome!Nosign-uprequired,justbring whatyou’reworkingon,shareideas,orsimplyenjoy theenergyofcreatingtogether.
Questions?ContactTrish:Patricia.Houck@phila.gov
DBHIDS WELLNESS
Lunch Bunch Lunch Bunch
We’reexcitedtobringbackastafffavorite,nowwitha fresh,in-persontwist.WhatstartedastheVirtual SocialLunchHourduringthepandemichasreturned astheDBHIDSWellnessLunchBunch:acasual middaymeetuptoconnect,recharge,andsharegood conversation.
Bringyourlunch,bringyourcuriosity,andtakeawelldeservedbreakwithcolleagues.Avolunteerfacilitator willsparklight,engagingconversations, noagenda, justcommunity.Lunchisn’tprovided,butthe companywillbeworthit. Opentoallstaff,joinwhenyoucan!
Want updates?
Click to complete the Lunch Bunch Interest Form. Together, we’re building community one lunch at a time.
C
aring for Our Digital Well-Being
A Mayor’s Intern Project
Thissummer,DBHIDSwelcomedBryanBalmoresJumarang,aninternthroughtheMayor’s InternshipProgram,whosharedthoughtprovokingpresentationswiththeHuman ResourcesandTraining&Educationunitson DigitalWellnessandtheuseofArtificial Intelligence(AI)inHRandwellness.
Drawingonhispersonalinterestandresearch,Bryan highlightedboththebenefitsandchallengesofour always-onlinelives.Hiskeymessagewassimplebut powerful:digitalwellnessispersonal.There’snoonesize-fits-all,it’saboutmakingsmall,intentionalchoices withoutjudgment.
Bryanremindedusthatsocialmedia,AItools, algorithms,andnonstopnewscyclescanleaveus feelingdistractedordrained.Caringforourdigitalwellbeingdoesn’tmeangivinguptechnology;itmeans buildingeverydayhabitsthatbringbalanceandcalm.
TipsfromBryan’sResearch
Startyourdaywithintention.Trykeepingthe firsthourfreefromnewsorsocialmedia.Usethe timetostretch,read,journal,orconnectwithloved ones.
Setgentleboundaries.Apptimersandscheduled breakscanprotectyourfocus. Choosemeaningfulactivities.Swapendless scrollingforacreativeproject,awalk,ortime outdoors.
Beintentionalonline.Seekouttoolsand platformsthatfosterconnection,learning,or creativity.
Pauseandreset.Stepawayfromconstantupdates orAIoverloadwhenitfeelsoverwhelming.
Evensmallstepscanboostfocus,liftyourmood,and strengthenoverallwell-being.Bryanencouragedallof ustogiveourselvespermissiontounplug,reset,and explorewhatdigitalwellnessmeansinourownlives.
SkyFullofElephants
CeboCampbell
Formoreinformation,email
DBHIDS.Wellness@phila.gov.
HealthyVeggieSoup
When the weather turns chilly, nothing feels more nourishing than a pot of homemade vegetable soup. This “seriously good” recipe is packed with fresh, colorful produce and bright flavors like lemon and a hint of curry. It’s easy to make, naturally vegan and gluten free, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch, a light dinner, or a way to use up extra veggies, this soup is a simple way to care for yourself and share comfort with others.
CookieAndKate.com
Ingredients:
Olive oil
Onion, carrot, celery, garlic
Zucchini, bell pepper, green beans
1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz)
2 cans beans (any kind)
Veggie broth (6 cups)
Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
Small pasta (1 cup)
Spinach or kale (3 cups)
Instructions:
Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in oil (5 min).
Add garlic, zucchini, pepper, and beans.
Stir in seasoning.
Pour in tomatoes, broth, and beans.
Simmer 15 min.
Add pasta, cook 8 to 10 min.
Stir in greens until wilted.
Taste, season, and serve!
your recipe!
GARDENING FOR HEALING AND WELLNESS
DBHIDSWellnessrecentlyhostedGardeningforHealingand Wellness,ledbyDanielDavis,facilitiesmanagementassistantat CBH.Davissharedhowgardening,onceasmallfamilyproject, becamehissanctuaryafterthedevastatinglossofhiswifeand son.“Thegardenwasakeepsakeformymentalhealth,”he reflected,describinghowtendingplantshelpedhimfindpeace, strength,andapathtowardhealing.
Thesessionhighlightedthemanybenefitsofgardening,from stressreliefandmindfulnesstothesimplejoyofnurturing growth.Participantsalsocreatedasign-intreekeepsakeatDavis’ request,whichwillbedisplayedinhishonor.Everyoneleftwith seedshesavedhimself,watermelon,cantaloupe,honeydew,or sweetpeppers,alongwithapotofsoiltobegintheirown journeyofgrowthandrenewal.
ThisDBHIDSWellnesseventwasamovingreminderthatcaring fortheearthcanhelpuscareforourselves.
SHOW US HOW YOU SEE THE SEASON! SNAP A PHOTO OF AUTUMN’S COLORS, CRIMSON LEAVES, GOLDEN TREETOPS, OR A COZY NEIGHBORHOOD SCENE.
FALL FOLIAGE FALL FOLIAGEPHOTO PHOTO CONTEST CONTEST
ENTER BY NOV. 7
WINNERS WILL BE FEATURED IN UPCOMING WELLNESS COMMUNICATIONS. GRAB YOUR CAMERA, TAKE A WALK, AND SHARE YOUR FALL VIEW!
WINNERS WILL BE FEATURED IN UPCOMING WELLNESS COMMUNICATIONS. GRAB YOUR CAMERA, TAKE A WALK, AND SHARE YOUR FALL VIEW! CLICK HERE TO ENTER
DBHIDS Wellness Champions
WellnessChampionsareheretosupportyou! Whetheryouhavequestionsaboutwellnessprograms,ideas topromotewell-beinginyourteam,orneedhelpaccessing resources,feelfreetoreachout.
We’reheretolisten,connectyoutotoolsthatsupportyour well-being,andhelpmakeDBHIDSahealthier,moreinclusive workplaceforall.
IfyouareinterestedinjoiningtheWellnessChampions, pleaseemailDBHIDS.Wellness@phila.gov.
UPCOMINGEvents Events
RESOURCES
EmployeeAssistanceProgramsareavailabletosupportyour mental,emotional,andoverallwell-being.
YoucancontactyourEAPforawiderangeofservices,including: Personalandemotionalsupport. Counselingservices.
Parentingandcaregivingresources.
Financialandlegalguidance.
EAPservicesareconfidentialandfreetoallemployees. Inaddition,weencourageallstafftocontacttheirrespective medicalinsuranceproviderstobetterunderstandthemental andbehavioralhealthbenefitsavailablethroughtheirindividual plans.
HealthyMindsPhilly
Yourwell-beingmatters.Pleasedon’thesitatetoseeksupport whenyouneedit.
FindcontactinformationatIntranet.DBHIDS.org.
Healthy Minds Philly is a free, public resource to support mental health and wellness. The website offers tools for self-screening, information on how to find support services, and access to local behavioral health resources, events, and training. It’s designed to help individuals and communities take proactive steps toward emotional well-being. Visit HealthyMindsPhilly.org.
988SuicideandCrisisLifelin
988 is your connection to free, confidential support during a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis. You will be connected to a warm, professional counselor 24/7. Call, text, or chat 988.