White Collar Criminal Defense & Investigations Partner Charles B. McKenna authored on Opinion piece for the Star-Ledger, published on April 27, 2020 on nj.com and entitled “Who Will Heal Our Heroes?” His piece addresses the critical need for hospitals to utilize mental health professionals to protect its healthcare personnel from the effects of depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and burnout syndrome (BO). Charlie points to a pre-pandemic study showing that 18% of trauma center nurses met the criteria for PTSD, which affects their relationships, ability to enjoy life and participate in regular household activities, and also brings an increased risk for substance abuse and suicide. He suggests a framework for mental health assistance could be provided with the help of FEMA, as was set in motion by Congress after 9/11, and also using Stafford Act funds and other programs in place to help with recovery from a disaster. He also proposes that a mental health Czar be appointed to oversee the program and to conduct research and data collection, important steps to prevent a whole new dimension of this crisis.
You may read the article here.
