Support Report: Care Dimensions joins VPSN, upcoming events, and featured resources

MAY 2026

Bringing peer support to Massachusetts' largest hospice and palliative care organization

In April 2026, Care Dimensions joined the Betsy Lehman Center’s Virtual Peer Support Network (VPSN). As the Commonwealth’s largest provider of hospice, palliative care, and grief support, Care Dimensions recognized that the emotionally complex nature of its work created a need for additional staff support. “Caring for each other is as important as the care we provide to patients and families,” said Johanna Lent, Chief People Officer at Care Dimensions.

Upcoming events

June 2

5 - 6:15 p.m.

PFAC Spring Forum • Leaders from Patient and Family Advisory Councils across the state will discuss successes and challenges related to PFAC member recruitment. Register here

June 8

5 - 6:30 p.m.

Support for Supporters* • A gathering for VPSN volunteers, featuring a presentation from Drs. Mark Albanese and Paul Simeone from Physician Health Services. Register here

*Please note only trained peer supporters may attend this event

June 16

12 - 1 p.m.

Learning Collaborative - Barriers to Help-Seeking for Health Care Workers • During this virtual event, Dr. Daniel Saddawi-Konefka, President and Co-Founder of the Emotional PPE Project, will examine barriers that lead health care workers to delay or forgo seeking help for themselves and highlight approaches to address these challenges. Register here

The peer support team is holding trainings for those interested in becoming volunteers.

June 4

8 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Virtual Peer Support Network training • Health care professionals interested in volunteering can fill out the interest form here.

Featured resource

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness provides resources for those wanting to learn more about the science behind well-being. It shares publications, ongoing research, and tools to measure well-being and resilience. Learn more about the Center’s resources, sign up for its newsletter, and find previous and upcoming events on its website here.

Peer support literature

Second victim syndrome: The impact on the practicing PA

Davis R.

This article reviews the symptoms, progression, management, and complications of second victim syndrome. Additionally, this review advocates for PA programs to integrate curricula focused on second victim experiences, equipping PA students with effective coping strategies, and for institutions to establish tiered support programs to help employees navigate the challenges of second victim experiences. Read the article

Accelerating workforce well-being—lessons from safety

Dyrbye LN, Burstin H.

This perspective suggests using lessons learned from quality improvement work to accelerate workforce well-being. It emphasizes the need for workforce well-being to be not just an aspirational value, but an operational imperative. Read the article

See all literature

The Betsy Lehman Center is a non-regulatory state agency that supports providers, patients, and policymakers working together to advance the safety and quality of health care. We provide free, confidential peer support services to patients and health care professionals across Massachusetts.

BetsyLehmanCenterMA.gov