2026 Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Mental Health in the Workplace Winners Announced

Higginbotham, a Fort Worth, TX-based insurance and financial services firm, has received this year’s top honor. Since its founding in 1948, Higginbotham has embraced a people-first philosophy, exemplified by its Healthy HIGG wellness program, which aims to enhance employees' quality of life through leadership and support. The firm has developed a robust strategy to reduce stigma around mental health and foster an environment where mental well-being is a priority.

In addition to the winner, five organizations received Honorable Mentions:

- Baltimore City Police, the main law enforcement agency in Baltimore, MD, established in 1784.

- Harris Health, a community-owned healthcare system in Harris County, TX.

- McGohan Brabender, a benefits broker based in Dayton, OH.

- Norton Healthcare, a prominent health system serving the Greater Louisville area and beyond.

- Union Bank & Trust, a locally owned bank in the Midwest.

K. Andrew Crighton, MD, CPE, Chair of the Award Committee, emphasized that these organizations actively address their workforce's mental health challenges. Ron Goetzel, PhD, Senior Scientist at BSPH and Co-Chair of the Award program, noted that workplace well-being positively impacts both employee morale and company profitability, referencing a 2023 study by the University of Oxford and Harvard University.

The awards ceremony will take place during The Luv u Project’s annual event, An Evening of Luv, at the Bethesda Country Club in Maryland on November 19, 2026.

C. Richard Mattingly, Founder and President of The Luv u Project, congratulated Higginbotham and all honorable mentions for prioritizing mental health in the workplace. The Mattingly Workplace Award, established in 2022, is part of BSPH’s initiatives aimed at promoting worker mental health and well-being.