As hospital staff and caregivers are stretched more and more, some hospitals are initiating a “Code Lavender” to prevent burnout.  Bishop Anderson House has long supported health care workers, from sharing prayer shawls and Teddy Bears with nurses to offering educational opportunities to physicians and students.

Currently, Chaplain Cherryl leads monthly workshops to promote self-care and avoid staff burnout for staff and volunteers at Project Connect, Cook County Hospital System. We are honored to provide a safe and comforting place where health care workers facing the hardest challenges can “unpack” their deepest concerns.

In 2016 we hope to offer several stress busters for staff at the Illinois Medical District, including a day of chair massage during Nurses’ Week and a “puppy party” during medical school finals.

Many hospitals across the nation are initiating Code Lavender to combat hospital worker stress and this article showcases efforts at the Cleveland Clinic.