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        You are here: Home / Archives for EAP

        IMPORTANT: Changes To Airline Drug Testing

        July 13, 2017 05:00

        Background

        The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a notice that it is proposing to add four (4) commonly prescribed medications to its testing program.  These 4 medications fall under a category of drugs known as opioids.   They include:

        • Hydrocodone (example: Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Maxidone, Norco, Zydone)
        • Hydromorphone (example: Diluadid, Exalgo, Hydromorph Contin, Palladone)
        • Oxycodone (example: Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin, Roxicodone, Endocet, Xtampza, OxylR)
        • Oxymorphone (example: Opana, Numorphan)

        Opioid medications are typically prescribed for the management of pain after injury, surgery, dental procedures and diagnosis of a medical illness with painful symptoms.  The new DOT rule is projected to take effect sometime after October 1, 2017.

        Issue

        Once DOT expands testing to include these prescribed pain killers, Flight Attendants on valid and non-expired opioid prescriptions will have their test results verified by a medical review officer (MRO) as “negative”.  However, under DOT rule 49 CRF Part 40, Section 40.327, Flight Attendants who use these medications could be at risk of being reported to the company as a “safety risk” under the below DOT rule.  After a Flight Attendant’s employer is informed that a Flight Attendant’s use of a medication poses a “safety risk”, DOT regulation does not specify what actions the employer must or may follow thereafter.  DOT regulation also does not currently define for MROs what constitutes a valid and non-expired prescription.

        DOT Rule 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.327

        (a) As the MRO, you must, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, report drug test results and medical information you learned as part of the verification process to third parties without the employee’s consent if you determine, in your reasonable medical judgment, that:

        (1) The information is likely to result in the employee being determined to be medically unqualified under an applicable DOT agency regulation; or

        (2) The information indicates that continued performance by the employee of his or her safety-sensitive function is likely to pose a significant safety risk.

        (b) The third parties to whom you are authorized to provide information by this section include the employer, a physician or other health care provider responsible for determining the medical qualifications of the employee under an applicable DOT agency safety regulation, a SAP evaluating the employee as part of the return to duty process (see §40.293(g)), a DOT agency, or the National Transportation Safety Board in the course of an accident investigation.

        (c) If the law of a foreign country (e.g., Canada) prohibits you from providing medical information to the employer, you may comply with that prohibition.

        Resources to Help You Balance Safety and Medication

        There are a number of resources under the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol (FADAP) Website (www.FADAP.org) to help you balance safety and the use of prescription medications including the proposed 4 new medications for which DOT will test.

        Medication Safety Film for Flight Attendants

        Preview this short film to understand the safety issues and best practices around medication use by Flight Attendants.

        Medication and Flying Article “What Medications Can I Take While Flying?

        Read this 3-page article to get a more rounded understanding of the issues surrounding medication use by Flight Attendants and best practices.

        “Flight Attendant Essential Job Functions” Wallet Card

        There is no list of DOT banned prescriptions for flight attendants, other than prescription marijuana. The decision of what medications (including dosage, frequency and timing of use in relation to your work schedule) which you can take and safely perform your Flight Attendant duties is generally determined by your health care provider. To help you inform your provider of your safety sensitive duties, provide your health care provider with your job description for incorporation into your medical file. You can also download wallet size lists of Flight Attendants’ essential job functions for your provider’s quick reference each and every time a medication is discussed.

        Health Care Provider’s Medication Note

        Should your health care provider prescribe a medication containing an opioid or amphetamine (both of which are detectable under DOT testing and could subject you to Section 40.327) have your provider sign this note for your submission just in case you are challenged about the safe use of the medication.

        Questions?

        Your AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee can provide confidential assistance around substance use related concerns.  You can find contact information on the EAP Committee page at afaalaska.org.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC EAP Co-Chairs Elizabeth Dillon and Jeanne McCleave

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, drug testing, EAP, FADAP

        A Holiday Message from FADAP

        December 12, 2016 05:00

        The following message is brought to you by your AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee and the Flight Attendant Drug & Alcohol Program (FADAP).  EAP is always available as a resource to any Flight Attendant; contact information can be found at http://afaalaska.org/eap.

        The holiday season is here!  Normally, we equate the months of Thanksgiving through the New Year with festive celebrations and good cheers.   However, for some, this time of year serves as a painful contrast to the joy that fills other’s lives, but maybe not our own.

        The Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program is a specialized program just for flight attendants and their family members afflicted or affected by substance abuse.

        It’s called FADAP (The Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program).

        If you answer yes to any of the below questions, your drinking maybe putting you and/or your job at risk.

        The Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP) can help you:

        • Identify if you have a substance use problem needing professional assistance;
        • Refer you into flight attendant specialized treatment services and
        • Support you in your recovery journey.

        So take the below quick screen and call the FADAP helpline if you answer yes to any of the below questions.

        Flight Attendant Alcohol Use Screen

        In the past year,

        • Have you shown up for a flight hung-over?
        • Have you bid a certain position to have easy access to alcohol?
        • Have you consumed alcohol past the cut-off time?
        • Have you felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
        • Have you felt you should cut down on your drinking?
        • Do you drink alcohol 4 or more times per week?
        • Have you had 5 or more drinks on a typical day when you are drinking?

        Remember, the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP) is available 24/7 at (855) 333-2327 or (855) 33-FADAP.  The FADAP operator will patch your call directly into your airline peer assistance program or the peer on-call.  Your conversations are always confidential.

        “Wings of Sobriety” Telephonic Meetings

        Meeting times are scheduled on Wednesday at 3 PM EST and Saturday at 9 AM EST.  Each meeting will last between forty-five (45) minutes to one (1) hour.  The conference call in number is (855) 544-2320.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC EAP Committee Co-Chairpersons Elizabeth Dillon and Jeanne McCleave

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee Tagged With: 2016, EAP, FADAP

        Mental Health Resolutions for the New Year

        December 6, 2016 10:43

         

        A message from your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        The New Year is not just a ritual. It is the celebration of new hopes and dreams. It is an opportunity to start with a clean slate. Typically, New Year resolutions tend to focus on weight, general health and finances.   But, what might the new year offer us if we used it as an opportunity to commit to improvements in our emotional and mental well-being.  Below are seven positive mental health resolutions that you can borrow for your new year.

        1. “I will treat myself with respect and speak nicely about myself.” Try taping a list of positive characteristics about yourself in various places throughout the house to remind you of these affirmations.
        2. “I will be physically active on a daily basis.” Multiple studies show a link between exercise and improved mental health.
        3. “I will act and not react.” Many times we feel like everyone is “pushing our buttons”. When this happens, we are caught up in a reaction cycle. If you know you’ll be around someone who says negative things, plan for this and have a list in your head of disarming statements. You might even consider modifying your plans to limit exposure to negative people.
        4. “I will learn to relax and enjoy.” Many times we become so busy we forget how or even when to take care of ourselves. Find or “re-discover” an activity that is relaxing and enjoyable to you. Dedicate time to this daily or at a minimum, weekly.
        5. “I will be mindful.” Being mindful is about staying in the moment. We cannot change yesterday and we cannot predict tomorrow. We do, however, have control over our attentiveness in the here and now. So, commit to being aware in the moment, and enjoy that moment.
        6. “I will work towards being the person I want to be.” When we see life as a journey and a time to continue to be the person we desire to be, we find hope and fulfillment in our tomorrows.
        7. “I will resolve to be mentally healthy”. There is still a stigma about seeing a mental health professional.  However, it is truly one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves. A therapist gives us an unbiased ear and can also help us to understand why we do the things we do … think of seeing a therapist as a mental health oil change. If you need assistance finding a referral, give your AFA EAP a call.  Your local AFA EAP committee members are listed at www.afacwa.org/eap.   We are just a phone call away.

        These suggestions have been adapted from an email written by Chip Coffey, the Director of Outpatient Services at St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Center. 

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee Tagged With: EAP, New Year, resolutions

        Help from the AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund For Hurricane Matthew

        October 20, 2016 17:00

        The AFA Alaska Master Executive Council is passing along this important message from our International officers as a service to our members who had their primary residence impacted by Hurricane Matthew. Please note the AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund is open to contributions either by check or electronic payment. Information on how to make a donation is now available at www.afacwa.org.

        afa-cwa-disaster-relief-fund-logo

        Help from the AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund For Hurricane Matthew

        We know that disasters can change lives forever. While we can’t stop destructive events from happening, we can, as a Union, assist our members with their recovery. AFA established the disaster relief fund after September 11th to assist our members whose lives were placed in harms way. AFA members and retirees, whose primary residence is in the counties listed below and who have suffered damage and/or dislocation, are eligible for $200.00 from the AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund. It is a gift made possible by the generosity of your fellow union sisters and brothers with AFA.

        Florida Counties: Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia.

        Georgia Counties: Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, McIntosh, and Wayne.

        North Carolina Counties: Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Pender, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrrell, Washington, Wayne, and Wilson.

        South Carolina Counties: Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Orangeburg, Sumter and Williamsburg.

        If you would like to apply for AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Funds, download the Disaster Relief Fund Application and fax it to the International AFA EAP Department at 202-434-1411 or mail it to AFA-CWA EAP Department, 501 Third Street NW, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001-2797.   You can also e-mail this same information to lfoster@afanet.org or phone in the necessary information to 1-800-424-2406.

        We extend our heartfelt sympathy to AFA members affected by Hurricane Matthew and their families during this difficult time.

        Sincerely,

        Sara Nelson, International President

        Debora Sutor, International Vice-President

        Kevin Creighan, International Secretary-Treasurer

        afa-cwa-application-for-disaster-relieve-fund

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2016, Disaster Relief Fund, EAP, Hurricane Matthew

        Flight Attendant in Recovery Survey

        October 5, 2016 17:00

        The following message is from Heather Healy, Director of the AFA EAP Program and Manager of the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP).  If you have questions about EAP or the FADAP Program, feel free to contact Heather at the telephone number below or reach out to your Local EAP Committee.  You can find contact information for your EAP Committee Members at http://afaalaska.org/eap.

        If today, you are currently a Flight Attendant and in recovery from alcohol and/or drug abuse, please consider completing this short 9-question survey.  Your answers are completely anonymous. You can skip any questions you don’t want to answer.

        Click here to access the Flight Attendant in Recovery Survey

        The purpose of this survey is to collect data on the value of supporting Flight Attendants through the recovery and return to work process. Your answers could help Flight Attendants still struggling with their substance use. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Please don’t hesitate to call me with any concerns or questions.

        Sincerely,

        Heather Healy
        Director of AFA EAP and Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program Manager
        (800) 424-2406

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2016, EAP, FADAP, recovery

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