(Press Release) This is an official statement by ANA\California to address barriers impeding nurses' access to mental health offerings in California.
While health institutions have signaled responsibility for other systemic issues such as racism in nursing and healthcare, institutions have not devoted similar resources to addressing barriers impeding nurses' access to mental health offerings. This has created compounding conditions leading to critical issues such as staffing shortages and negative workforce projections.
“The operational demand this pandemic has had on nursing and healthcare leadership to keep doors open, lights on, and care providers on the floor has left little time for addressing other critical issues,” says Dr. Marketa Houskova, Executive Director of ANA\California. “However, if institutions do not dedicate staff and resources to implementing sustainable solutions quickly, California will see an even
larger healthcare provider gap.”
With more than 20,000 mental health apps on the market today, understanding the nuances of care offered and approaches used can be daunting. ANA\California's Analysis: 24 Nursing Mental Health Services and Solutions 2022 is a starting point and call to action for institutions and advocates to better understand and evaluate the breadth of mental health offerings marketed to nurses, as well as offer
guidance on cost, features, and implementation.
We call upon health leaders in California to increase support of their nursing workforce by removing restrictive policies hindering nurses' access to mental health care.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marketa Houskova
Executive Director, ANA\California
Recommended article:
Analysis: 24 Nursing Mental Health Services and Solutions 2022 - A review of mental health offerings and barriers nurses face to accessing these services and solutions.