Before September 11, some AFA Members were unaware of all of the services and resources available through AFA’s Employee Assistance Program. Other Members were aware of them, but had yet to find a need to call. But on that day, as news of the terrorist attacks reached AFA Members around the world and in the skies, EAP’s trained Flight Attendant volunteers instantly sprang to action, assisting those in distress and need.
On September 11, AFA’s EAP became a well-known, valuable resource and confidential comfort for thousands of AFA Members, just as it has been for thousands, one Member at a time, since 1980. Over the past five years, the AFA EAP program has served 250% more Flight Attendants than the average management EAP program and on average one out of every 17 United Flight Attendants calls AFA EAP for assistance.
Why AFA EAP?
From time to time, everyone experiences personal, family or work-related problems. Sometimes, these problems can overwhelm normal coping strategies. Support from a trained peer may prove helpful and in many cases helps to avoid company involvement. AFA EAP helps Members, their families and partners deal with concerns on and off the job. No one ever needs to be alone in finding solutions to their problems.
AFA EAP Mission
AFA EAP is a confidential resource available to all AFA Members, their families and their partners. AFA EAP provides three distinct but interrelated services, including:
- Assessment, support and resource referral
- Advancement of professional standards through conflict resolution
- Response to critical and traumatic incidents.
AFA EAP Q&A
Are EAP services confidential?
Yes! Your contacts and discussions with the EAP are confidential. Information is only released in accordance with federal and state confidentiality regulations
What does it cost?
The EAP is a benefit of your union dues. You pay nothing extra to speak with an EAP Representative or a Member of the International EAP Department staff overseen by a 20 year veteran EAP and mental health licensed and certified professional. If you are referred to a mental health professional, your EAP Rep will work with you to use your health plan benefits. The EAP Rep will seek the most affordable solution for your specific situation.
What kind of training have the AFA EAP Reps had?
First, we look for someone who is committed and has the personal skills to handle the job; someone who is patient, non-judgmental, caring, organized, and has a clean work record. EAP Reps participate in specialized AFA training in part designed by mental health professionals at a basic and advanced level. In the advanced level, volunteers receive certification in peer response from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.
Isn't EAP just for people who have substance abuse and depression problems? Absolutely not! AFA EAP provides resources and references for a broad range of life situations including: relationships, financial/legal, workplace trauma or other work-related issues (insurance questions, harassment, job stress, occupational injury, etc.) and professional standards, in additional to the help we offer with chemical dependency and emotional issues.
Is my problem big enough to call AFA EAP for help? When can I call?
No problem is too small for AFA EAP! In fact, we encourage Flight Attendants and their immediate families to call when a concern first develops. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Usually the sooner you share a problem, the sooner you begin to find a solution.
The AFA EAP offers a 24 hour help line for your convenience. We also offer web-based resources by area of concern on the AFA EAP website. Visit www.afanet.org and follow the links to EAP.
Who am I reaching when I dial the AFA EAP ‘800’ number (800-424-2406)?
You are contacting the AFA EAP department within the AFA International Headquarters in Washington, DC. This office is staffed by licensed and certified mental health professionals. They offer resources as well as referrals to your AFA EAP Reps as they assist Members, individually and collectively.
EAP News and Resources
OCT 12 - In light of recent events and their potential impact on our layover locations, we want to ensure that you have the information and guidance needed to stay safe especially during your overnight stays.
OCT 12 - With recent events and the evolving situation in Israel, we want to ensure that all Flight Attendants are informed and prepared. Your safety remains our top priority, and we are committed to providing you with the support and resources you need during these challenging times. Please stay vigilant, follow the safety guidelines, and know that your Union is here to support you.
SEP 07 - This day resonates differently with each of us. There is no right or wrong way to honor and remember the family we lost that day. Whether you are flying in the operation, attending a memorial, or spending time with loved ones, take a moment to pause and reflect on the heroism and ultimate sacrifice of that day. Remember them.
SEP 07 - Initiated in 2007, the Harvard Flight Attendant Health Study stands as the most extensive continuous research project focused on the health and well-being of flight crew members. The research team is set to wrap up the study's fourth phase on September 15, 2023.
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