In a major win for health care worker advocacy in the Garden State, Cooper University Health Care has been officially designated as a 2026 Wellbeing First Champion. The recognition, awarded by the national coalition ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare, marks a turning point for South Jersey’s largest employer as it moves to dismantle the systemic barriers that often prevent medical professionals from seeking mental health support.
The designation follows a rigorous verification process led by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. Cooper earned the “Champion” status by auditing and purging its medical staff credentialing applications of intrusive, “non-competency” questions regarding an applicant’s mental health history—questions that have historically acted as a “silent deterrent” for doctors and nurses in need of help.
For decades, medical credentialing forms across the U.S. have often included broad inquiries about past mental health diagnoses or treatments. For many clinicians, these questions created a harrowing choice: seek help for burnout or depression and risk professional “red flags,” or suffer in silence to protect their livelihood.
By aligning with the Wellbeing First initiative, Cooper has updated its internal policies to ensure that seeking treatment for mental health or substance use is treated as a confidential health matter, not a career-ending disclosure.
“Every health worker is a human being who carries the immense weight of caring for others,” Corey Feist said. Feist is the CEO and co-founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. “Cooper University Health Care is breaking that silence—sending a powerful message that your life matters as much as your livelihood.”
The certification is a cornerstone of Cooper’s broader Compassion and Resiliency Experience (C.A.R.E.) Program. Directed by Alexa Hays, the program aims to shift the hospital’s internal culture from merely “managing burnout” to actively fostering “joy in practice.”
Cooper’s 2026 Staff Wellness Toolkit includes:
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The C.A.R.E. Program: Facilitating team-based empowerment sessions and resilience training.
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Peer-to-Peer Support: Dedicated mentorship programs where veteran physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) support colleagues navigating high-stress cases.
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Optum EWS: An enhanced Employee Assistance Program offering 24/7 confidential counseling and coaching.
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GME Wellness: Specialized mental health tracks for residents and fellows at the start of their medical careers.
Cooper’s recognition comes as the New Jersey State Senate considers Bill S2635, introduced in early 2026, which aims to mirror these changes at the state licensing level. If passed, the bill would prohibit any state board from inquiring into an applicant’s behavioral health history unless a “current impairment” exists. By taking the lead on credentialing reform now, Cooper has positioned itself at the forefront of a statewide movement toward a more compassionate healthcare infrastructure.
“We know that supporting the well-being of our workforce is essential to providing exceptional care for our patients,” Hays said. “At Cooper, we want every team member to feel safe and empowered to prioritize their own health.”
