Wellness Resource Central

The NAME ad hoc Workplace Stress and Wellness Committee was formed in 2020 at the direction of President Sally Aiken, after discussions that took place at a "Chief's Breakfast" Q&A Session at the Annual NAME Meeting the prior fall. There is increasing recognition of the unique stressors affecting "Last Responders" and the need for effective interventions to prevent and manage burnout and vicarious trauma.  Many Medical Examiner and Coroner offices now have Wellness teams, committees and programs.  Peer Support is an important aspect of many programs, along with creating a culture of wellness promotion rather than burnout denial. Members of the NAME Workplace Stress and Wellness Committee presented several abstracts on Wellness-related topics in a "mini-workshop" at the 2023 Annual Meeting, and the Interim Meeting in 2025 was also devoted to wellness topics and organized by the Committee co-chairs, Drs. Heather Jarrell and Laura Knight.  The committee has conducted survey-based research on trauma, stress, and resilience in ME offices, presented at the 2023 Annual Meeting, with publication to follow.  Wellness and burnout prevention resources are offered on this page that may be helpful to individuals and offices looking for additional resources.  Examples of ME/C Office wellness programs can be found in the presentation under "MDI Community Resources".

Medical Examiner/Coroner Self Care

AMA STEPS Forward

CBCT® (Cognitively-Based Compassion Training)

Link to Table for Team and Personal Leadership Suggestions during Stressful Events  (from J Occup Environ Med 2018; 60:248)

Guide to Normal Stress Reactions after a Critical Incident

Admit, Talk and Heal - Steps to Recognize and Deal with Secondary Trauma

Coping with Uncertainty

Coping with Grief

How to Develop a Peer Support Program