The City of Paducah is proud to announce that Mental Health America has awarded Paducah the 2026 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, the nation’s top recognition for U.S. employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces.
“Supporting mental health at work is not a one-time initiative; it’s a shared commitment,” said Mayor George Bray. “I’m grateful to our employees and leadership team who continue to shape a workplace where people feel supported, respected, and able to do their best work. In light of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, I encourage all citizens to work together to create a culture where mental health is valued and prioritized.”
Mental Health America evaluated the City of Paducah on its policies, benefits, and practices in four areas: culture, benefits, compliance, and whole-health wellness programs. Each applicant receives a summary report and a final score with higher scores leading to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum designation. The City of Paducah was honored to receive a Gold award. This is the first time for the City to apply for this recognition.
“The City of Paducah is committed to providing the best for its employees,” said City Manager Daron Jordan. “As a Gold Bell Seal recipient, we join a select group of organizations committed to fostering supportive environments where employees can thrive professionally and personally. This recognition reflects the culture we continue to build, and we are grateful for each employee’s trust and engagement along the way.”
“Receiving this recognition affirms our ongoing efforts to prioritize employee well-being and challenges us to continue strengthening our workplace culture,” said Human Resources Director Stefanie Wilcox. “Every day, we work with leadership to thoughtfully review our policies and practices as supporting our employees’ well-being remains a top priority for the Paducah Board of Commissioners and City leadership. We also appreciate every employee who has shared feedback, ideas, and suggestions to help improve mental well-being at work.”
Since 2019, Mental Health America, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being across the United States, has awarded the Bell Seal to employers recognized for supporting employee mental health and implementing research-based workplace best practices. Learn more at Mental Health America.
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