Project ReNEW

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on employees. From August to December 2021, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (SBCDPH) Preparedness and Response Program (PRP) established and implemented Project ReNEW, an initiative that focused on employees’ path to resilience after working a sustained emergency response and creating a healthy workplace in uncertain times. Project ReNEW provided employees the opportunity to partake in a 4-week resilience workshop series, 30-minute “Mental Pause” seminars, and workplace wellness activities. The purpose of the program was to provide tools and resources to aid public health emergency response staff in the initial stages of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Project ReNEW led to the expansion of a dedicated staff break area known as the “Rejuvenation Station,” which had resources to promote mindfulness practices, positive social interactions, and creative expression – key coping strategies for stress.