In 2020, the health care industry was at a breaking point. The COVID-19 pandemic was driving anxiety, depression and burnout to unprecedented levels among health care professionals nationwide. At the same time, demand for health care services continued to grow, straining a workforce already stretched thin.
To support the well-being and vitality of health care professionals, students, faculty and staff, Rush Wellness was launched with support from philanthropic partners.
Today, that investment is making a measurable difference both for those who work and learn at Rush and for the patients and communities they serve.
“We’ve infused wellness into our DNA by tailoring interventions to address our community’s needs, rigorously assessing our results and incorporating best practices into system strategy,” said Eve Poczatek, associate vice president for wellness, experience, learning and development at Rush.
Making mental health a priority
Rush Wellness aims to foster skills our community members can use not only to manage stress and prevent burnout, but also to find the joy and meaning necessary for a long career in a demanding field. To help achieve this, Rush established the Rush Center for Clinical Wellness. Made possible thanks to philanthropic support, the center provides free, unlimited mental health services to employees and students. Designed to reduce the risk of burnout — a condition characterized by exhaustion, cynicism and reduced professional effectiveness — the center supports both personal and professional growth.
Demand for these services continues to rise. Visits to the Rush Center for Clinical Wellness increased 79% from 2021 to 2024, particularly after the center reduced average wait times by adding more therapists.
In addition to scheduled care, Rush psychotherapists are available around the clock through the Wellness Triage Pager, providing immediate support and connecting individuals to appropriate resources when they are struggling or concerned about a colleague.
Donor support has also helped Rush expand Mental Health First Aid training, equipping more than 400 employees and students with the skills to recognize and respond to signs of a mental health crisis.
Offering opportunities for peace, connection and joy
Beyond clinical services, Rush Wellness fosters a culture where growth, connection and joy are part of everyday work life.
Thanks to philanthropic support on Doctors’ Day, physicians can enjoy a relaxing energy pod session in a newly renovated medical staff lounge, offering them moments of peace on busy workdays. And they’ll soon be able to take part in a new, free coaching program. 
“Coaching helped me realize that a very difficult decision I just made is the right decision for me,” said Jeannie Aschkenasy, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics. “Being able to participate in a coaching session reinforces some of the reasons I love being here at Rush.”
Nurses and frontline teams across Rush University System for Health have also felt empowered through Rush Wellness. The Nursing Wellness Awards — also made possible through philanthropy — inspire nurses and health care professionals to champion initiatives addressing the wellness challenges they encounter in daily practice. Since the awards were launched in 2022, 43 projects have been funded from more than 110 applications, supporting initiatives that promote joy, reduce stress and strengthen connection across the system.
More than 730 wellness-related talks have been delivered across the Rush community since 2020, providing participants with practical tools they can apply in both their professional and personal lives. Some 2,500 people have participated in wellness events across the Rush system, too, such as summer yoga, Mental Health Forums and Rush of Gratitude celebrations.
Physical well-being is another key focus. After Rush Wellness assumed operations of the Rush University Fitness Center and offered free student memberships, student participation nearly quadrupled in 2024, with employee memberships increasing 23% during the same period. Additionally, Rush Oak Park Hospital recently updated its gym thanks to a philanthropic gift.
Continuing to care for the caregivers
Rush Wellness has become a foundation of support for thousands across Rush, strengthening resilience, connection and well-being across the system. At its core, Rush Wellness is helping ensure every member of the Rush community has the opportunity to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
“While the field of health care continues to face many challenges, the strong foundation we’ve built at Rush Wellness gives us hope as we celebrate our progress and look toward the future,” Poczatek said.
