The Christ Hospital Health Network Recognizes National Physician Suicide Prevention Day

CINCINNATI (September 15, 2026) – Thursday, September 17 is National Physician Suicide Prevention Day and The Christ Hospital Health Network and leaders at the system are working to support mental health programs for team members.

The Christ Hospital Health Network invests in various programs that promote mental health including our internal PEER support program, Code Lavendar program and a partnership with Lindner Center of Hope to offer the Physician Mental Health Program—a confidential program for physicians and APPs for confidential counseling and psychiatric treatment. Well-being CARE (Checkup and Referral Engagement) is a free, anonymous self-reported questionnaire that is reviewed by a licensed mental health professional through the Ohio Physician Help Program. Recommendations are then sent to the provider that filled out the form.

Christopher Paprzycki, MD, physician at The Christ Hospital Health Network and President of the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati has pushed for more mental health services for physicians and APPs in the network.

“As president of the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati, I work with many clinicians that are quietly struggling, not knowing how or when to seek help,” said Dr. Paprzycki. “Physician burnout can progress from chronic exhaustion to depression, hopelessness and loss of meaning, while the culture of medicine may make physicians less likely to seek help. When these factors accumulate, the risk of suicide can increase, reminding us that preventing physician suicide requires reducing burnout and creating a culture where seeking help is supported, confidential and stigma-free. If you are struggling, you are not alone. There is help available.”

Recently, The Christ Hospital was recognized as a Wellbeing First Champion in healthcare. As a Wellbeing First champion, The Christ Hospital has verified that clinical applications & credentialing applications are free from intrusive and stigmatizing language around mental healthcare and treatment. This means that health workers feel they can seek needed care without fear of losing their license or job.

The Lorna Breen Foundation is an advocacy group at the institution, state & federal level working with state medical boards and fed government to pass legislation to remove outdated language from these application documents.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, eight ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For 137 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up of more than 1,300 physicians and more than 7,600 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #3 hospital in Ohio and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2026.

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