Tampa General Hospital: Platinum Bell Seal Recipients

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has earned the prestigious Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, a national certification awarded by Mental Health America to recognize employers committed to supporting mental wellness in the workplace. The hospital received the highest Platinum designation.

For TGH, pursuing the Bell Seal was not just about recognition—it was a reflection of the organization’s deep commitment to the well-being of its team members.

“At TGH, we recognize that our team members are the heart of everything we do,” said Hannah Mistry, TGH’s People & Talent Workforce Specialist. “Their well-being—particularly their mental and emotional health—is essential to delivering high-quality care and maintaining a supportive workplace culture.”

Over the past several years, Tampa General has taken a deliberate and holistic approach to enhancing mental health resources for its staff. This includes expanding access to care, fostering a sense of psychological safety, and cultivating a culture of belonging. The Bell Seal certification process provided an opportunity to formally assess these efforts, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate progress.

The application process itself was straightforward, taking only one to two hours to complete. Tampa Bay Thrives played a key role in helping TGH navigate the process. They introduced the opportunity, offered guidance, answered questions, and even covered the application fee—making the certification more accessible.

Central to TGH’s success in earning the Bell Seal is its robust suite of wellness programs that support both physical and mental health. One cornerstone initiative is the “Live Well” program, which provides education, resources, and wellness challenges aimed at promoting overall well-being. From nutrition and fitness to stress management and emotional health, Live Well encourages employees to prioritize their personal wellness.

Another standout offering is “TGH Cares,” a resiliency program designed to support staff during difficult times. This includes crisis intervention, debriefing sessions, and tools for managing stress—essential resources in a demanding healthcare environment.

Recognizing that access to therapy is a critical component of mental health care, Tampa General has partnered with TAVA Health to provide every team member with twelve free therapy sessions annually. This service is confidential and flexible, ensuring employees can access help when and how they need it. Additionally, the hospital’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides comprehensive support, including legal and financial counseling, as well as work-life balance resources.

By integrating these initiatives into the fabric of its organizational culture, Tampa General aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, promote awareness, and ensure that all employees feel supported. Earning the Bell Seal is a testament to those efforts—and a signal to both current and future team members that mental wellness is a shared, ongoing priority.

“Our goal is to foster an environment of trust and belonging,” Mistry said. “Engaging in the Bell Seal certification reinforces our accountability to team members and reflects our values as an organization.”

With this certification, TGH not only affirms its commitment to workplace mental health—it sets a standard for others in the healthcare industry to follow.