03/21/2025

 
(Dover, DE – March 21, 2025) – Leading health advocacy groups and elected officials on Tuesday formally commemorated the first-ever Health Workforce Well-Being Day in Delaware.  
 
Recognized nationally last year for the first time, Health Workforce Well-Being Day, March 18, acknowledges the critical importance of workforce well-being and the seriousness of widespread health worker burnout. The epidemic of burnout has been exacerbated in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mission of this day is to call attention to the need to enhance and protect health workers’ well-being, which ultimately helps to sustain the healthcare system and ensure quality patient care.
 
The Delaware Nurses Association, Medical Society of Delaware, Delaware Healthcare Association, Delaware Health Care Facilities Association, and Delaware Association for Home & Community Care issued the following joint statement on the day. 
 
“A supported, safe, and well health workforce is critical to a strong and healthy Delaware. Across sectors and systems, from home and facility care to nurses, physicians and so many more, we’ve seen the commitment of health workers day-in and day-out. There are as many hard and challenging days as there are good days. We want our teams to know that we see and hear you – and now the State of Delaware does, too. We sincerely thank Governor Meyer, Representatives Minor-Brown, Chukwuocha and Jones Giltner, and Senators Townsend and Pinkney for amplifying the wellness of our health workforce.”
 
Governor Matt Meyer proclaimed the day in Dover, sharing how a strong health workforce is critical to making Delaware the healthiest state in the country. 
 
“My wife has spent many long nights in the ER tending to patients from all walks of life, so I understand the challenging situations our health workers find themselves in. Burnout leads to staffing shortages, which has a major impact on the delivery of care and our system operations. Health Workforce Well-being Day is a commitment to our nurses, home health aides, doctors, and direct care workers that we are working toward a brighter, healthier future for all of us – and that starts with you,” said Governor Meyer.
 
Statistics show that 50 percent of healthcare workers reported burnout in 2020; 44 percent of nurses experienced physical violence and 68 percent experienced verbal abuse; and 69 percent of physicians experienced colloquial depression, 20 percent experienced clinical depression, and 13 percent had thoughts of suicide. By working together, we can expand evidence-informed solutions to make system-wide changes that support health worker well-being and turn the tide on this epidemic.
 
“As a social worker and policymaker deeply committed to ensuring health equity, we must start with our team members. Ensuring their safety and well-being is critical to ensuring we have the best, quality healthcare for all. I’m thankful that we are raising awareness today and encourage all of us to shepherd policies that support a strong, thriving health workforce,” said Senator Marie Pinkney, Senate Health & Social Services Committee Chair and Senate resolution sponsor.
 
According to the National Academy of Medicine, it is estimated that burnout costs the U.S. healthcare system at least $4.6 billion annually. Investing in worker wellbeing will help streamline care and efficiency, among other benefits.
 
“Nurse to nurse, I have been there. I know how critical it is to support our individual workers and teams. We are starting an important conversation here in Delaware that I know will make a real difference for our workers and health systems,” said Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner, R.N., and House resolution sponsor.
 
About the Delaware Healthcare Association
The Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) was formed in 1967 and is a statewide trade and membership services organization that represents and serves hospitals, health systems, and related healthcare organizations in their role of providing a continuum of appropriate, cost-effective, quality care to improve the health of the people of Delaware. DHA’s mission is to provide policy and advocacy leadership in creating an excellent environment to support our members in helping every Delawarean to be as healthy as they can be.
 
About the Medical Society of Delaware
The Medical Society of Delaware is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the United States and rich in history. Founded in 1776 and incorporated on February 3, 1789, The Medical Society of Delaware continues its support of physicians in their vigor and spirit to advance the profession, which was the basis for its creation. Our Mission is “To guide, serve and support Delaware Physicians, promoting the practice and profession of medicine to enhance the health of our communities.”   
 
About the Delaware Nurses Association
Founded in 1911, DNA is the premier leading professional association bringing together and advancing the profession of nursing for over 100 years, creating healthier communities for all Delawareans. We are the only professional association in Delaware representing all Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. We continue to advance health through the art and science of nursing supported by diverse members, advocacy, influence, professional development, generation of new knowledge, communication, service, and history.
 
About the Delaware Health Care Facilities Association
Delaware Health Care Facilities Association (DHCFA), a non-profit professional association founded in 1963, serves as a statewide organization representing long-term care operations licensed by the state of Delaware. DHCFA is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for facilities residents by promoting high standards of care. DHCFA supports its members to deliver accessible, efficient, quality long-term care and a continuum of related services to residents.
 
About the Delaware Association for Home & Community Care 
The Delaware Association for Home & Community Care (DAHCC) is a statewide industry and membership services organization that represents and supports home care providers of personal assistance, home health aide, skilled nursing and hospice services. DAHCC’s mission is to promote communication, collaboration, and education in order to facilitate high quality and comprehensive home and community-based health services to the residents of Delaware.