We understand that these are very trying times that bring a level of uncertainty within our society and our daily lives. We would like to remind you of the Saint Luke’s LIFEWISE EAP resources that are available to help with managing anxiety, putting news reports in perspective and maintaining a positive outlook.

As an additional resource to you and your family members, EAP is sharing several communications containing updated topical information from prominent resources. The articles listed below focus on managing stress and dramatic change to our lives. Highlighted in the articles below are some behavioral health tips to deal with isolation and talking to our children about COVID-19.

Lastly, during this time when social distancing has become a protocol toward preventing and minimizing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, EAP clients are encouraged to utilize the telephonic coaching option as an alternative to in-person sessions. If you are interested in learning more about the Saint Luke’s LIFEWISE EAP program and the services it provides, please visit the EAP page on the Human Resources website.

• All of A Sudden,  Life is Different – Helios
• Coping with Stress During the 2019-nCoV Outbreak – World Health Organization
• Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks – (SAMHSA)
• How to Work from Home Without Losing Your Mind – Entrepreneur
• This article from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) offers tips on talking to children about COVID-19 (coronavirus)

At Human Resources, we realize that this can be a stressful time of year for many employees. As an employee at UMKC, your personal and professional well-being is a priority. There is no better time for a reminder that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to help with personal, family, relationship, and financial difficulties.

Through our continued partnership with Saint Luke’s Health System, Human Resources and UM Total Rewards offers an EAP service to all faculty, staff, and dependents. Program benefits include access to professional counselors trained to assist with stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, work concerns, financial issues, and family or relationship difficulties.

Visit SaintLukesHealthsystem.org for more info and to explore the many benefits they provide.

The username is UMKC and password is EAP.

Employees can receive up to three phone or in-person counseling sessions for any personal issue. EAP also provides access to more than 5,000 online articles and 500 videos about health topics. In addition, a monthly webinar series is also available that has recently covered topics such as care for aging loved ones, finances, nutrition, health, and an upcoming Vision Board webinar in January.

Schedule your appointment today by calling 816-931-3073 or toll-free 1-800-327-1223 during business hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Services are provided through five offices located across the Kansas City area, as well as more than 40,000 network providers nationwide. Evening appointments are available, and emergencies are responded to 24/7. EAP counselors can also assist in referral for on-going care.

For more information or questions, please contact the HR Service Center at 816-235-1621.