5.18.18 – (LAA/LUS) – Getting to Know Your APFA EAP Department

The APFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was created to support Flight Attendants who are experiencing difficulties of a personal or work-related nature. We help Flight Attendants identify and resolve personal concerns related to health, family, alcohol, drugs, emotional stress, or other issues that may affect job performance. We help with issues such as:

• Alcohol and drug misuse
• Anxiety, stress, and depression
• Grief and loss issues
• Coping with life changes
• Trauma and critical incidents (working in tandem with CIRT; Critical Incident Response Team)
• Interpersonal relationships

Confidentiality

Many Flight Attendants are reluctant to disclose private information about their personal problems for fear of retaliation from Flight Service. They worry that participation in an EAP program could endanger their job or that any information shared would be embarrassing and humiliating.

Please know that confidentiality is one of the most important aspects of EAP. Confidentiality must be maintained at all levels on behalf of the employee. This means information about the employee cannot be revealed in conversations with co-workers, managers, or supervisors. Also, the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse records maintained by EAP is protected under federal regulations.

As APFA EAP representatives, we maintain strict confidentiality regarding a Flight Attendant’s identity and no information is shared without express written consent.

Optum EAP

We also work with Optum EAP Managers at each base. The Optum Employee Assistance Program provides a free consultation, information, and referral service for all American Airlines employees and members of their household. They offer 24-hour telephonic assistance and counseling. Telephonic counseling is free, and employees have the option to meet with a counselor for up to four in-person counseling sessions free of charge. Simply call 800-363-7190.

If you are covered under Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and would like to continue to meet with your counselor after your four free sessions, please check with BCBS Member Services before beginning your counseling to ensure they are an in-network provider. For those enrolled in a United Healthcare medical plan, Optum will also continue to administer mental health and substance abuse benefits.

The number above can also be used for Hyatt Legal Service, childcare, and eldercare for parents.

For more information about onsite EAP managers at airport hubs, you can obtain details or request assistance by contacting your EAP manager at 800-555-8810 (press the option that corresponds to your station or nearest location.)

Feel free to contact your APFA EAP Department at (817) 540-0108 Ext. 8701

Abby Alconcher – eap@apfa.org
Susie Wallace – eap1@apfa.org
Heidi Sakacs – eap2@apfa.org
Joe Stanko – eap3@apfa.org
Bill Ibarra – eap3@apfa.org
Sharon Dunn – eap3@apfa.org

National Professional Standards Rep:

Jillian Bocenda – jillian.bocenda@gmail.com

Abby Alconcher
APFA National EAP Specialist

eap@apfa.org