Appalachian Regional Healthcare announced in a statement it has been awarded the 2026 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, a national recognition honoring U.S. employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces.
ARH, the statement said, has been awarded the Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health — the highest level awarded — for its dedication to overall employee wellness, mental health, and a supportive workplace culture.
The Bell Seal is issued by Mental Health America, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and prevention. The statement said the recognition highlights ARH’s ongoing commitment to supporting the health and well-being of its employees across the communities it serves.
“At ARH, supporting the mental health and well-being of our employees is an essential part of caring for the people who care for our communities,” said Sonya Bergman, ARH chief people officer. “This recognition reflects our continued commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and equipped to do their best work.”
The statement said ARH was evaluated on its policies and practices in four key areas: culture, benefits, compliance and wellness programs. These areas reflect the importance of a comprehensive approach to workplace mental health, including supportive resources, employee-centered policies and a culture that recognizes the connection between personal well-being and professional success.
As part of that commitment, the statement said, ARH offers employees access to a broad range of mental health and wellness resources through a dedicated wellness support program. These resources include confidential counseling and therapy services, employee assistance programs, digital well-being coaching, telehealth behavioral health options, crisis support, and personalized assistance connecting employees with local and organizational resources. By supporting employees through both personal and professional challenges, ARH continues to invest in the overall well-being of the workforce that serves communities across Central Appalachia, according to the statement.
“As a healthcare organization, we understand the unique demands our employees face every day,” Bergman said. “Providing strong support for their mental health and overall well-being is not only the right thing to do—it strengthens our ability to care for our patients and communities.”
Since 2019, Mental Health America has awarded the Bell Seal to hundreds of employers for supporting the mental health of more than 5.1 million employees, based on decades of research identifying best practices in workplace mental health, the statement said.
“As a healthcare system serving communities across Central Appalachia, ARH remains committed to strengthening programs and practices that promote a healthy, respectful and supportive workplace,” the statement said.
To learn more about Mental Health America and the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, visit, mhanational.org/bestemployers.