THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JULY AUGUST 2024 25 In 2022, as our nation eased its way out of the COVID19 pandemic, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released his 48-page “Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being.” In it he wrote: “We have an opportunity and the power to make workplaces engines for mental health and well-being. Doing so will require organizations to rethink how they protect workers from harm, foster a sense of connection among workers, show workers that they matter, make space for their lives outside work, and support their long-term professional growth. … Benefits will accrue to both workers and organizations.” Clinton D. White serves as counselor for the United States Agency for International Development. He has more than 20 years of experience in the public sector and is a member of the Senior Foreign Service. Randy Chester is the current USAID AFSA vice president representing more than 1,600 USAID FS staff. He has more than 20 years of experience, 17 of which were overseas, and he is one-half of a USAID tandem couple. Addressing Mental Health Needs at USAID USAID strives to build a healthier workplace to ensure mission readiness, at home and abroad. BY CLINTON D. WHITE AND RANDY CHESTER FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT BETH WALROND
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