Saint Paul, Minn., January 13, 2022 – Minnesota based organization, MN Mental Health Advocates announces “#HumansBeforeHeroes Charity Dinner” – a February 8, 2022 event that will raise funds for mental health resources and services for healthcare workers. The event will also highlight MNMHA’s advocacy work for the healthcare community.

The event is sponsored by Raag Progressive Indian Cuisine and Moët Hennessy and will offer guests a stunning 6–course meal, complementary cocktails and wine, and a silent auction. Additionally, the dinner program will feature the organization’s work through previews of the soon to be released documentary film “Humans Before Heroes”.

Physicians face an increased risk of mental illness and suicide due to fear of impact to their licensure and career. Each year, several hundred physicians die by suicide in the US. This equates to nearly one million patients who lose their physician to suicide. Recent studies suggest that the rate of suicide in nurses may be even higher than their physician counterparts. In recent months, Minnesota has been devastated by the loss of several of our own physicians to suicide.

While our healthcare professionals have historically seen higher rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and suicide, the Covid-19 pandemic has increased these rates. “We have been watching this steady rise in burnout in healthcare workers over the years, but this is different. Healthcare professionals are facing moral injury and feel abandoned by the agencies that govern them and the communities they serve,” said Shireen Sakizadeh McConnell, founder and Executive Director of MN Mental Health Advocates.

Our commitment to support our healthcare professionals requires us to take extra precautions for this event. We want to ensure that our dinner does not contribute to the already devastating burden Minnesota's healers are currently bearing. Please note that MNMHA will require attendees to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or proof of negative covid test prior to the event. Attendees will also be required to wear face masks when not seated at their table.

For more information on the February 8th event and mental health resources for healthcare workers, please visit mnmha.org.

About MN Mental Health Advocates

Healthcare professionals face an increased risk of mental illness, substance abuse and suicide. MNMHA works to break down barriers to access by providing free services and resources unique to the needs of healthcare workers. MNMHA also supports legislative efforts to the remove harmful language from licensure applications from state licensing boards and hospital credentialing, as this language deters healthcare professionals from accessing mental health services. For more information visit http://www.mnmha.org/.

 

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