07/25/2024

OhioPHP is a Valuable Resource

The Ohio Optometric Association is proud to partner with the Ohio Professionals Health Program (OhioPHP) and its mission to facilitate the health and wellness of healthcare professionals in order to enhance patient care and safety. Offering various resources including continuing education, mental health & substance abuse support, and confidential well-being programs, the OhioPHP seeks to assist all Ohio healthcare workers combat burnout and support the provider to ensure optimal patient care. The OOA has partnered with the program for over five years and OOA Board Trustee Dr. Greg Nixon also serves on the OhioPHP Board of Directors.  

The Ohio Professionals Health Program website describes its mission best:  
“OhioPHP assists hundreds of healthcare workers across the state with a wide range of concerns including stress, burnout, mental health, or substance use disorders and much more! OhioPHP encourages healthcare professionals to improve their health and well-being through educational and confidential well-being programs.  When we have a healthy workforce, we ultimately impact the quality of care for all of Ohio’s patients.” 

The organization prioritizes confidentiality as one of its top values. “OhioPHP supports confidential and compassionate care for all physicians and other healthcare professionals with illnesses that may impact their health and well-being.  OHIOPHP supports the use of confidential services whenever possible in lieu of regulatory awareness in order to eliminate fear of punishment, disciplinary action, embarrassment, or professional isolation.” 

The Ohio Vision Professionals Board is also a partner and supporter of the program and has created its own safe haven program for all licensees and applicants. “Any Vision Professional Board licensee or applicant who needs assistance with burnout, behavioral health, mental health or substance use disorder or other medical conditions is eligible to participate in the safe haven program.” 

OOA members are encouraged to visit the OhioPHP website for further information on all of the valuable resources offered: www.ohiophp.org.