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Mental Health Awareness Month 2026

Stronger Minds Together is our month-long campaign dedicated to increasing mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting employees with valuable mental wellness resources. Throughout May, we invite all UF and UF Health employees to join us in learning, connecting, and caring for our minds.

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Week 0
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Looking Ahead

Weekly Activities

Explore upcoming events and activities designed to support your mental well-being:

Kick-Off (April 27 – May 2)

  • May 1: Mental Health Awareness Month Word Cloud: Help us create a word cloud for Mental Health Awareness Month that reflects the voices of our UF and UF Health community.
  • May 1, 2 p.m., Examen: A 15-minute guided reflection practice designed to help you pause, reset, and cultivate awareness and gratitude as you review your day with intention.
  • May 1 – June 5, Ease My Mind: A six-week text-based wellness program focused on effective stress management techniques.
  • May 2, 8:30 a.m., Nature Walk at Morningside Nature Center, guided by Dr. Andreu, UF professor and expert naturalist. Space is limited; registration is required.

Week 1 (May 4 – 8)

  • May 4, 12 p.m., Talkspace Webinar: Mental Health in the Workplace: This session will cover common mental health diagnoses, signs that someone may be struggling, and practical ways to offer support and connect others with helpful resources.
  • May 5, 12 p.m., Relax: 15 minutes of mindfulness and relaxation. Each class will guide you through a live meditation, breathing, or relaxation session.
  • May 6, 1 p.m., Florida Blue Ask the Dietitian Webinar: Foods for Mental Health
  • May 8, 2 p.m., Examen: A 15-minute guided reflection practice designed to help you pause, reset, and cultivate awareness and gratitude as you review your day with intention.

Week 2 (May 11 – 15)

  • May 11, 12 p.m., Talkspace Webinar: Healing from Compassion Fatigue: A supportive webinar focused on understanding what compassion fatigue is, how it can impact your well-being, and practical steps you can take to move toward healing and restoration.
  • May 12, 12 p.m., Relax: 15 minutes of mindfulness and relaxation. Each class will guide you through a live meditation, breathing, or relaxation session.
  • May 12, 1 p.m., Florida Blue Aging Well Webinar: Preventing Cognitive Decline
  • May 15, 2 p.m., Examen: A 15-minute guided reflection practice designed to help you pause, reset, and cultivate awareness and gratitude as you review your day with intention.

Week 3 (May 18 – 22)

Week 4 (May 25 – 29)

  • May 26, 12 p.m., Relax: 15 minutes of mindfulness and relaxation. Each class will guide you through a live meditation, breathing, or relaxation session.
  • May 28, 12 p.m., Practice of Presence Webinar: An engaging spiritual wellness webinar designed to help you slow down and reconnect with what matters most.
  • May 29, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Central Florida Location Only Mental Health First Aid Training. Space is limited; registration is required.
  • May 29, 2 p.m., Examen: A 15-minute guided reflection practice designed to help you pause, reset, and cultivate awareness and gratitude as you review your day with intention.

Looking Ahead (Beyond Mental Health Awareness Month)

  • June 5, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Jacksonville Location Only Mental Health First Aid Training. Space is limited; registration is required.
  • June 8 – July 19, Resilience Rx: Join our 6-week daily text program designed to help you build resilience, recharge your energy, and shift from burnout to brilliance—one small step at a time. – Registration Coming Soon
  • safeTALK – Details and Registration Coming Soon
  • July 24, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Gainesville Location Only Mental Health First Aid Training. Space is limited; registration is required. How to register:
    • Visit MyTraining.UFHealth.org
    • Login via UF Health Shands
    • Search “Mental Health First Aid”
    • Click “Mental Health First Aid for Nurse Leaders/UF Health Employees”
    • Click “Register”
    • Choose which date you’d like to register for. Please note: This is not a series, please register for ONE training!
  • August 14, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Gainesville Location Only Mental Health First Aid Training. Space is limited; registration is required. How to register:
    • Visit MyTraining.UFHealth.org
    • Login via UF Health Shands
    • Search “Mental Health First Aid”
    • Click “Mental Health First Aid for Nurse Leaders/UF Health Employees”
    • Click “Register”
    • Choose which date you’d like to register for. Please note: This is not a series, please register for ONE training!

Supporting Your Well-being: Resources for You and Your Team

We know that life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Whether you’re looking for quick stress relief, mental health support, leadership tools to help your team thrive, or just a little inspiration, we’ve gathered a variety of resources to support you.

🌟 Appreciation & Connection

  • Give a teammate a High Five: Take a moment to recognize your teammates for their hard work, kindness, and collaboration. Through UF’s Health’s High Five program, you can send a virtual high five to show your appreciation — a small gesture that can make someone’s day. Access the UF Health High Five program via the icon on your desktop, the tile in PeopleSoft (under External Links) or through a web browser via highfive.ignite.team on a computer or a mobile device.
  • Gratitude Spreads: UFHR Worklife has created Gratitude Spreads materials to share. With both printed and digital email templates, these cards are the perfect opportunity to thank a coworker for their great work. Spread some gratitude today!

🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being

  • Talkspace: Need to talk? You can connect with a licensed counselor through Talkspace, offering flexible text, audio, and video therapy. Talkspace is available for free for GatorCare members only.
  • EAP: Both UF and UF Health offer free confidential support for employees. Both programs are designed to provide assessment, referral, and short-term counseling for personal, work, and family stressors. For UF employees, visit the UF Employee Assistance Program. The UF Health Employee Assistance Program is free for all UF Health benefits-eligible employees.
  • EAP Manager Resources: If you lead a team, your role in supporting employee well-being matters more than ever. The EAP Manager Toolkit offers expert guidance to help you recognize signs of distress, initiate supportive conversations, and foster a culture where mental health is prioritized.

💭 Mindfulness & Relaxation

  • UF Mindfulness Resources: Whether you’re brand new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, UF’s Mindfulness Resources library offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and techniques to help you find calm, even on your busiest days.
  • UF Calm Subscription: Don’t forget — UF employees receive a free Calm subscription, and you can even add up to five family members at no cost. Calm offers sleep stories, guided meditations, stress relief tools, and more. UF employees can learn how to sign up here.
  • UF’s Take 10 Initiative: Recharge in just 10 minutes. Whether it’s stretching, deep breathing, or stepping outside, these micro-breaks make a big difference. Take 10 here!
  • GatorCare Mindfulness and Relaxation Resources: Spiritual Oasis: Embark on a transformative 30-day journey towards spiritual awakening and inner radiance with our Spiritual Oasis challenge. Our curated workbook will be your personal guide to self-discovery, providing daily activities, meditations, and reflections. Follow the steps below to participate in this self-guided challenge and unlock the secrets to a more fulfilling and enlightened life. Start your journey here!
  • GatorCare Live-Streamed Fitness Classes: Relax and Examen: Join our free 15-minute live wellness sessions every Tuesday at noon for Relax — focusing on breathing, meditation, and mindfulness — and Fridays at 2 p.m. for Examen, a guided reflection practice to help you pause, reset, and cultivate awareness and gratitude. These classes are perfect for a midday break and open to all fitness levels — find the full schedule and register here.