AF Employee Assistance Program a vital resource available 24/7

You see signs of an impending problem and begin to grow anxious. You remember several weeks ago when your coworker leaned over and shared a phone number with you. You had skeptically typed it into your phone and saved it, thinking you would never use it – but as you’re trying to figure out your next step, you think, “One call wouldn’t hurt.”

You dial the phone number for the Air Force Employee Assistance Program, and the licensed counselor on the other end says, “How can I help you?” You take a deep breath – soon you’re receiving the support and information you need.

This August, the AF EAP is launching a new campaign: “More than a number.” Through this campaign, EAP aims to remind civilians that they have a valuable resource on hand at all times.

“Like many of our support resources, AF EAP plays a key role in how we support our civilians during times of crisis using the 1-800 number to connect to local counselors. But it is more than a number for counseling,” said Danna Plewe, AF EAP program manager.

The challenges that the EAP assists with are many, ranging from work, family, health, financial and substance use issues. All of these services are available to civilian employees and the members of their household, free of charge.

“It’s a resource to find after-school care, to buy a home or rent an apartment and to locate daycares, colleges, elder care and home repair contractors,” Plewe said. “It’s more than a number for counseling; it’s a number to help you find those resources to balance work and life.

“Because you’re letting the AF EAP do the legwork, you get your answers; but more importantly, you get time back to enjoy life with family and friends,” Plewe continued.

The 22,000 EAP counselors are ready and willing to assist civilians in 80 different languages. Every call is confidential, with the exception of life-threatening situations. Additionally, the EAP phone and web services are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“The EAP isn’t a just a resource for crisis response,” said Plewe. “You can have a free consultation with a counselor and get the information and support to help you be more prepared to tackle the challenges in front of you before they become overwhelming.”

The first step in this campaign is to encourage everyone, military and civilian, to save the AF EAP 1-800 number in their phones so that when their civilian wingman needs it, it’s easy to share and help them connect to EAP’s support.

Contact information for the EAP is now available on the Air Force Connect app. To access it, search “AF Employee Assistance Program” in the directory and tap the “Add to Contacts” button on the screen.

For assistance call EAP at 1-800-222-0364 (1-888-262-7848 TTY) or visit www.FOH4You.com. For access to resources regarding day-to-day challenges, visit www.worklife4you.com (code: USAF).

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