We’re excited to launch our first AFA Committee Focus Month this month. This program will help you get to know the different AFA Committees, all made up of volunteer Flight Attendants, the work they do for us, and the resources available to you. We’re starting by highlighting our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee, which lines up with National Mental Health Awareness Month. Taking care of your well-being is not just encouraged—it’s essential.
Our EAP/Professional Standards Committee, commonly referred to as AFA EAP, is a confidential, Union-operated, peer-based support network. Made up of specially-trained fellow Flight Attendant volunteers—not management—the Committee works together as one to offer resources for every challenge, from your personal life to your professional career.
Keep in mind that AFA EAP is different from the company’s EAP, Lyra. While both programs work to support you, AFA EAP is run entirely by our Union, which means more privacy and no management involvement. Our Committee is truly Flight Attendants helping Flight Attendants.
How Our EAP/Professional Standards Committee Supports You
The Committee provides confidential support across three core programs:
- EAP (Employee Assistance Program): EAP is a confidential lifeline that offers help for mental health, substance use concerns, grief, and life changes. If you’re feeling tired from a tough schedule, dealing with family stress, or facing financial worries, we’re here to support you.
- CIRP (Critical Incident Response Program): When the job is especially tough, CIRP provides emotional support after serious events, such as a medical emergency on board, a security issue, or a natural disaster. We connect you to long-term help so you never have to face a critical incident alone.
- Professional Standards: Before conflicts escalate, Professional Standards offers confidential, peer-to-peer help to resolve issues informally, such as miscommunication or a problem with professional conduct. We aim to encourage clear communication, repair relationships, and prevent matters from going to management, where discipline might occur.
We encourage you to contact an EAP Committee Member whenever you need support. Your privacy is important to us, and everything is confidential.
Understanding Your Resources: A Four-Week Focus
To help you learn about all the resources the EAP/Professional Standards Committee offers, we’ll spend the next four weeks highlighting the different parts of the Committee:
- This Week (General Overview): Introducing your AFA EAP Committee and the comprehensive structure of our support network.
- Week 2 (EAP): Confidential, everyday support for personal and professional challenges.
- Week 3 (CIRP): Critical Incident Response Program for emotional first aid after serious events.
- Week 4 (Professional Standards): Peer-to-peer intervention to resolve day-to-day workplace conflicts informally.
Learn More About Your Support Network: Watch the Video
Want to see how this support network can help you? Watch this short video featuring pre-merger Alaska EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson Melanie Buker and Vice Chairperson Elizabeth Dillon. See how the three main Committee components—EAP, CIRP, and Professional Standards—can make a difference with your personal and work challenges.
After watching, share it with a flying partner who may benefit—be the reason someone else finds support.
Contact Information
Your privacy is important. Save our confidential 24/7 contact number now and reach out whenever you need us:
- 24/7 Confidential Phone: (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406
- Email: eap@afaalaska.org
- Website: afaalaska.org/eap
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