All photos by Rudy Diaz for CUIMC.
On Oct. 13, Columbia University Irving Medical Center hosted its third annual Mental Health Awareness Event at the 50 Haven Lounge, Ballroom, and Athletic Center.
"This year's theme, 'It Is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,' reflects our commitment to a CUIMC community grounded in compassion, connection, and support," wrote Neil McClure, chief human resources officer at CUIMC, in a letter to the medical center community.
"Taking time to focus on mental health and well-being strengthens our ability to care for ourselves, support one another, and contribute to a healthy and thriving workplace."
The Mental Health Awareness Event's many workshops, integrative health activities, and mental health and well-being resources from CopeColumbia, ColumbiaDoctors, and CUIMC partners were organized around five pillars:
- Prioritize Yourself. Encouraging self-care, resilience, and personal well-being.
- Prioritize Connection. Building supportive relationships and strengthening our community.
- Prioritize Mental Health. Increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting employees with mental health resources.
- Prioritize Healthy Habits. Promoting healthy lifestyle choices that support overall well-being.
- Prioritize Support. Highlighting the importance of supporting colleagues and fostering a culture of compassion and inclusion.
"This year we wanted to make 'mental health awareness' more concrete and more actionable," said Sherley Desulme Willis, senior HR business partner at CUIMC. "The five pillars are a way to divide a large body of information and resources into smaller pieces that people are more likely to understand and embrace."
A record-setting 527 faculty, staff, and students attended the event, and many noticed the organization of the mental health pillars.
"Sometimes, when I think of mental health, it's kind of vague. The five pillars are clearer and more direct," said Elinol Lopez, a research coordinator in the Department of Population & Family Health and an event volunteer who noticed the five pillars and appreciated them.
Vivian Yeung, faculty and HR analyst at the Mailman School of Public Health, sampled the Sound Reset Bar as part of Pillar 1, Prioritize Yourself. "I chose the 'Escape' option. It reminded me of the sounds you hear in a spa. It was a nice change from the day-to-day," Yeung said.
"I love this event. This year's was great. I'm already looking forward to next year's!"
Mental Health Awareness Event 2026 grew out of a collaboration between CUIMC Events; CUIMC HR; the Office of Well-Being; the Office of Engagement, Retention, and Growth; the Office of Work/Life; Columbia University HR; POWER (Promoting Overall Well-Being, Engagement, and Resilience) in Pediatrics; and senior leadership of CUIMC and its four schools.
