At its May 20, 2022 Board of Directors meeting, the Franklin County Bar Association adopted the Wellness Pledge.
Wellness Pledge, Seven Point Framework
- Give FCBA attorneys referral resources for the PBA, which will provide enhanced and robust education to attorneys and staffs on topics related to well-being, mental health, and substance abuse.
- Disrupt the status quo of drinking-based events:
Challenge the expectation that all events include alcohol; seek creative alternatives.
Ensure there are always appealing non-alcoholic alternatives when alcohol is served. - Attempt to develop visible partnerships with outside resources committed to reducing substance use disorders and mental health distress in the profession: healthcare insurers, lawyer assistance programs, EAPs, and experts in the field.
- Give FCBA attorneys referral resources to the PBA, including Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, which will provide confidential access to addiction and mental health experts and resources, including free, in-house, self-assessment tools.
- Support the PBA in developing proactive policies and protocols to support assessment and treatment of substance use and mental health problems, including a defined back-to-work policy following treatment.
- Actively and consistently demonstrate that help-seeking and self-care are core cultural values, by regularly supporting programs to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being.
- Highlight the adoption of this well-being framework to attract and retain the best lawyers and staff.