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News | June 28, 2021

Employee Assistance Program helps workers maintain mental health

By Dianne Ryder DLA Public Affairs

As mass telework continues throughout the agency, Defense Logistics Agency Human Resources officials are reminding workers that the Employee Assistance Program can help them address wellness issues like feelings of isolation. 

EAP is an agency-funded, confidential program available to help employees and their family members maintain good mental health and address financial and legal matters, substance abuse and work-related stressors. It’s available by phone at 1-866-580-9046 and web

Management Analyst Laura Belk recommends the toll-free number for individuals who need immediate assistance. All calls are answered by licensed clinicians. 

“The clinicians at the call center answer 24/7, 365 days a year, so there’s always somebody there for individuals to talk to – many times, that’s all people need,” she said. “There’s no judgment, it’s all solutions-based.”

Callers may be helped by an in-house counselor or referred for external counseling, which is free for six sessions per year.

Program Analyst Jessica Scott said the “expansive” website also offers webinars on numerous health topics. In addition, weekly live webinars are a new feature introduced last year to assist employees through stressful topics related to the pandemic, such as caregiving, grief, parenting, relationships and stress.

User feedback has been encouraging, Belk said.

“It’s nice to know that people are logging in to view the webinars,” she said, adding that employees are requesting associated resource materials even when they can’t participate in live sessions. “We also let them know that presentations are recorded and posted for viewing at a later date.”  

Supervisors can use the website to learn how to support staff during traumatic events and much more.

“This isn’t just a ‘nice-to-do’ program for us,” said Billie Keeler, acting director of DLA Human Resources.

“Our most important asset as an agency is our people and supporting them is considered a critical capability in our DLA Strategic Plan,” he added. “Providing ready access to EAP resources is one way we ensure we attract, develop and retain a diverse, skilled and agile workforce.”