Workplace Violence Prevention Unit Launches First Podcast in Honor of Mental Health Awareness Month
Quick Summary
- Join host Kimberly McLennan from the Workplace Violence Prevention Team and guest therapist Elizabeth Sheesley as they discuss Mental Health Awareness Month and share tips for preventing workplace violence.
Workplace Violence Prevention Unit Launches First Podcast in Honor of Mental Health Awareness Month
The Workplace Violence Prevention Unit at UC Davis Health is proud to launch its very first podcast episode, aligning with May’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Hosted by Kimberly McLennan, Trainer for the unit, the episode features a compelling conversation with guest Elizabeth Sheesley, a licensed therapist and expert in workplace trauma and prevention strategies.
This inaugural episode dives into the realities of workplace violence in healthcare, using a recent tragedy at UPMC Memorial Hospital as a powerful case study. Together, Kimberly and Elizabeth explore the emotional toll of caregiving, the systemic gaps that allow violence to occur, and how we can better support the mental health of those working in high-stress environments like hospitals and university campuses.
Listeners will gain insight into:
- The hidden impact of trauma on healthcare workers
- Signs of distress in colleagues, both in-person and remote
- The stigma surrounding mental health in professional settings
- Practical prevention and de-escalation strategies
- Resources for healing, resilience, and support
Elizabeth offers thoughtful guidance for staff who may be struggling, and Kimberly shares personal reflections on healing after trauma. The episode is not just about raising awareness—it’s a call to action for building more compassionate, trauma-informed workplaces.
Together, we can help foster a safer, more supportive environment for every member of our UC Davis community.
Additional Resources:
Mental Health First Aid class: Sign Up Now!
Workplace Violence Prevention: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/elr/workplaceviolence/
Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP): https://www.hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/asap
Ombuds: https://ombuds.ucdavis.edu/
Counselor drop-ins: https://ucdavis.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_byI2jDrEAPyQzMa?Q_CHL=qr
Support U Peer Responder Program: clinicalwellbeing@ucdavis.edu
Harassment & Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program: https://hdapp.ucdavis.edu/
Workplace Violence Prevention Program
- Reporting Workplace Violence
- Training & Preventing Workplace Violence
- Resources & Support
- About Workplace Violence & Tools
Contact the Workplace Violence Prevention Unit: