Mental Health Awareness and Education

Networking: 7:45 - 8:15AM

Arrive early for a chance to meet new people!

Program Description:

Since 2019, individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression have tripled. The challenges of managing life demands and maintaining work-life balance have become more complex. Given the amount of time spent at work, it's important to arm your employees with the information and skills to recognize, understand, and potentially assist someone experiencing a mental health concern. To that end, Cigna has developed a broad array of mental health education and training options to support the workforce. During this program, our speakers will be presenting an abbreviated version of their most comprehensive training.

Session Overview:

• Explore how stigma is often associated with mental health
• Learn to better understand and recognize common behavioral issues
• Review resources available to support mental health

The focus of this session will be on adults in the workplace.  We hope you can join us for this session!

This event is brought to you by HR Alliance and WATRA. HR Alliance and WATRA members are able to register to attend free. REGISTER by clicking on HR Alliance Mental Health Awareness and Education Event Details. WATRA members: check your email/spam for the 12.22.22 email providing the WATRA member promo code to enter on the registration page.

Pricing for this In-Person Program:

• WATRA Members - Free (promo code must be entered)
• Non-Members - $60

• Jason Youngblood, LPC, CPT; Director – Cigna US Markets Behavioral Center of Excellence & Sales Operations
• Sandra Shaklan, LCSW-C, Innovation Lead, Cigna Health Care

Jason Youngblood is the Director of Cigna's Behavioral Center of Excellence.  Jason’s team is responsible for promoting the overall health and well-being of Cigna customers, by leveraging insights, analytics, and Cigna's comprehensive behavioral programs and services, to drive health improvement, and to contribute to the reduction of total medical costs.  Jason is a Licensed Professional Counselor, in the state of Maryland, as well as a Personal Trainer, and focuses on the link between mind and body, and the impact to overall wellness.    

Jason has been with Cigna for 18 years. He has held positions in Behavioral Health Utilization and Case Management, including Case Manager, Lead Clinician and Clinical Team Leader.  Prior to joining Cigna, Jason provided clinical services in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient behavioral treatment modalities.  Jason has a clinical sub-specialty in addictions treatment, including providing psychotherapy services to individuals and families with both mental health and substance use concerns.  In addition, Jason holds a Producer’s License in Life and Health Insurance, in the state of Maryland, and is a provider of Producer continuing education.

Jason obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from Juniata College, and a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology, from Towson University.  Jason credits running and exercise as vital elements to support his ability successfully manage work, home, and parenting responsibilities, to the best of his abilities.

Sandra Shaklan is the Behavioral Innovation Lead for Cigna's Workplace Well-being Services team.  She is a Behavioral Subject Matter Expert and possesses an in-depth knowledge of advanced market issues.  Sandra is responsible for the ongoing management and development of resources to support employee well-being including both mental health education and client consultation services.  She also provides oversight for a team of Well-being Advisors.

Sandra has been with Cigna for over 12 years and has experience within Behavioral Operations as a Care Manager and Team Lead as well as supporting the Sales organization as Behavioral Client Strategist.  Before her role at Cigna, Sandra worked with children, adults and their families in multiple treatment settings, including outpatient and inpatient programs.

Sandra holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Maryland.  She is certified as both an adult and youth mental health first aid instructor through the National Council of Behavioral Health. Sandra believes in a holistic approach to health and wellness. She has specialized training in yoga and mindfulness.  

Professional Development:
This program will be submitted to HRCI for 1.50 HR (General) recertification credits for aPHRTM, PHR, PHRca, SPHR, GPHR, PHRiTM and SPHRiTM designations.  It will also be submitted to SHRM for 1.50 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP and the SHRM-SCP certifications.

Staff Note:

Online registration for this in-person program will close at 8:00 PM on Monday, February 6.  Late registrations will be handled thereafter by contacting staff@hralliancedc.org.  We will do our best to accommodate late registrations.