International Self-Care Day, celebrated on July 24, is a global reminder to make self-care a regular part of your life, not just an occasional treat. At UC Davis and UC Davis Health, you’ll find simple, accessible ways to recharge and care for your well-being, from mindful breathing and journaling to healthy recipes and fitness resources. This day is all about pausing, reflecting, and taking small steps to prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical health, allowing you to bring your whole self to work and be present for your family.
June shines a spotlight on Alzheimer’s Disease, PTSD, and Men’s Mental Health, each highlighting the importance of how we engage with individuals in crisis. This article focuses on the value of CPI’s (Crisis Prevention Institute) person-centered, trauma-informed verbal de-escalation techniques, which empower caregivers, healthcare workers, and communities to respond with empathy, dignity, and safety in moments of distress.
The Virtual Nonviolent Crisis Intervention: Verbal De-Escalation training, developed by the Crisis Prevention Institute and Workplace Violence Prevention, offers evidence-based strategies to effectively prevent, de-escalate, and manage crisis situations providing essential skills applicable across a wide range of professional roles.
In this powerful first episode of the Workplace Violence Prevention Podcast, host Kimberly McLennan and guest therapist Elizabeth Sheesley reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month and the emotional realities of workplace violence in healthcare. Through the lens of a tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital, they explore the mental health toll on caregivers, the stigma surrounding trauma in the workplace, and the urgent need for trauma-informed systems. The conversation includes prevention tips, support resources, and practical strategies for healing and resilience—both for individuals and organizations.
Beginning May 20, staff from UC Davis and UC Davis Health completed a three-day Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training to enhance their ability to respond to workplace crises with empathy, effectiveness, and resilience—reinforcing the university’s commitment to safety and mental wellbeing across its communities.
Adam Burkholder, Director of Workplace Violence Prevention at UC Davis, plays a pivotal role in enhancing campus and health safety through strategic leadership. His efforts focus on promoting situational awareness, encouraging proactive reporting, and building a supportive culture where prevention and early intervention are prioritized. Under his guidance, UC Davis continues to strengthen its commitment to protecting staff, students, and the broader community.
The Workplace Violence Prevention team brought both insight and positivity to all five Thank Goodness for Staff events, engaging attendees with resources, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of community.
Rounding with the BEST team, at the hospital, for Workplace Violence Awareness Month, became a powerful reminder of the unseen strength and compassion that healthcare workers carry every day. From overwhelmed patients to a calm, commanding leader navigating crisis in real time, each moment revealed the emotional complexity behind hospital walls. This experience offered a humbling walk-in others’ shoes—some worn thin, but all filled with courage, purpose, and deep humanity.
April marks Workplace Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing, preventing, and responding to workplace violence to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all employees. At UC Davis, we are committed to fostering a culture of safety and resilience. Throughout the month, we will be offering several opportunities for staff to engage in training, education, and discussions on workplace violence prevention.
