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New employee wellness, mental health programs start January 2023

Vanderbilt University is transitioning to new wellness and mental health programs for its employees in January 2023. The new programs, which are part of a wider investment in the health of faculty, staff and postdocs, will expand service offerings and make resources available to employees’ families.  

Lyra, a new mental health service provider 

Employees and their families (including spouses and children ages 2 and older) will receive expanded support through Lyra, a mental health service provider, which delivers greater access, 24/7 concierge navigation care 365 days a year, and support for behavioral and mental health needs.   

Starting in January, Lyra will cover 12 counseling sessions per household each year, at no cost to employees. In addition, employees and their dependents enrolled in Aetna health plans will have access to continued care from a Lyra network provider.  

Employee Critical Support Fund 

The Employee Critical Support Fund, previously known as the Employee Hardship Fund, was established to financially assist employees who experienced a nonrecurring sudden or emergency-related financial hardship due to an unforeseen or unavoidable event. The fund has been renamed to better convey its purpose—to give employees peace of mind in a time of uncertainty and demonstrate the power and values of the Vanderbilt community. The Employee Critical Support Fund will be housed under the university’s Office of Health and Wellness

Learn more about the fund, including how to support it using Kroger Community Awards and AmazonSmile. >>

Virgin Pulse, a new wellness management platform  

In January, employees will have access to Virgin Pulse, a wellness management and coaching platform that encourages healthy habits. Employees can earn rewards each quarter by completing a health risk assessment and participating in healthy activities and fun team challenges. The new platform is replacing Go for the Gold.  

Employees will receive sign-up information directly from Lyra and Virgin Pulse in the coming weeks. Learn more on the Health and Wellness website. Please email any questions to wellbeing@vanderbilt.edu.