The program, which is an initiative of NAMI Keystone PA, informs executive leaders on the impact mental illness is having on the workplace and assists them in developing policies and practices that prioritize mental health and reduce stigma.
“We have been working with Reed Smith for a year,” said Christine Michaels, CEO of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania. “The firm has a number of initiatives that focus on employee well-being so the CEOs Against Stigma program was a natural fit and an extension of their efforts to address mental health issues, a problem that is very prevalent in the high stress legal industry.”
Reed Smith has 3000+ personnel, of which more than 1700 are lawyers, working in 30 offices in the U.S., Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Casey Ryan is Reed Smith’s Global Head of Legal Personnel and the firm’s Mental Health Task Force Senior Management Team Sponsor.
“Reed Smith is committed to improving mental health at our firm by destigmatizing mental illness and substance use issues,” said Ryan. “We are proud to partner with NAMI in signing the CEOs Against Stigma pledge.”
In June Reed Smith began offering all personnel and their families access to the Calm app. Calm is one of the world’s leading mindfulness and meditation services supporting millions of people worldwide to experience lower stress, less anxiety, improved focus and more restful sleep.
In July, the firm launched a mandatory Mental Health Support Training program for firm leadership. Members of the firm’s Global Leadership Team will attend a mental health training support session with Mettie Spiess, a global workplace mental health expert, keynote speaker, and the founder of A World Without Suicide. The training will focus on how to recognize the warning signs of mental health crisis and provide appropriate support to colleagues and team members. “Leadership awareness of the warning signs of addiction and mental health challenges and knowing how to respond early is critical to getting our lawyers and personnel the help they need,” Ryan added. “This is the right thing to do for our people, and also important for our client work as well.”
In addition to the firm’s own mental health leadership training, the NAMI Keystone PA program provides executive teams with an online toolkit and action plan to improve the way their company views mental illness and responds to the mental health needs of employees and their families.
By becoming a CEO Against Stigma member firm, executives will engage in a process that ensures their company is on the right track to support workers, reduce stigma, and boost morale, productivity, and the overall working environment
“Providing mental health benefits and access to an EAP are essential parts of our comprehensive plan, but we want to do more,” said Ryan. “To further support our colleagues and to eliminate stigma, we are cultivating a culture that encourages people to speak honestly about mental health and to seek help when they need it. We also believe that providing ready access to mental health resources and educational sessions with mental health experts are key to being a true leader in responding to these issues.”
“Becoming a CEO Against Stigma is good for employees, but it’s also good for business,” said Michaels.
Executive leaders in several other industries including city government, manufacturing, insurance, and marketing have signed on to the program The CEOs Against Stigma project is being funded by the Staunton Farm Foundation.
About NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania
NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania is the state organization in Pennsylvania for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the largest grassroots mental health organization in the country. NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families affected by mental illness through recovery-focused support, education, and advocacy. More information is available at namikeystonepa.org or by calling (412) 366-3788.
NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania is here for you. If you have questions about mental health resources, call our HelpLine at 1-888-264-7972 or email info@namikeystonepa.org. For crisis support 24/7, text NAMI to 741741. To find the NAMI affiliate in Pennsylvania closest to you, visit namikeystonepa.org.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters. Now celebrating more than 140 years of service, our firm spans 30 offices with 3,000 people, including 1,700 lawyers.
For more information, please visit www.reedsmith.com.
