R 302049Z APR 12

ALCOAST 201/12
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ: LAUNCH OF NEW COAST GUARD EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CGSUPRT)
1. On 1 May 2012, the Coast Guard will launch its new Employee
Assistance Program (EAP), the CGSUPRT (Coast Guard Support) Program.
2. The previous EAP contract, commonly referred to as EAP,
WorkLife4You and FOH4You, will terminate effective 30 Apr 2012, with
any existing cases transferred to the new contractor, ValueOptions,
Inc. All contact information for the old program, including its phone
number and website, should be discarded.
3. CGSUPRT Program services will cover the following groups of
people:
    a. Active duty members, members of the selected reserve (SELRES),
and respective family members enrolled in DEERS,
    b. Civilian employees and family members within their immediate
household,
    c. Dependent family members of deceased CG employees for up to 6
months after the members death.
4. To access CGSUPRT call toll free 855-CGSUPRT (855-247-8778), TTY-
855-444-8724, or go to the website at www.CGSUPRT.com.
5. CGSUPRT will offer the following services:
    a. Face-to-face and telephonic non-medical counseling for
individuals with a wide variety of psychological/life challenges (up
to 12 sessions),
    b. Telephonic assistance, consultation, and referral for a broad
range of life events that individuals may need assistance with such
as childcare, eldercare, college funding, and moving,
    c. Telephonic consultation for supervisors and commands regarding
issues that may be impacting their employees/unit,
    d. Telephonic health coaching and information for a broad range
of
health issues such as smoking, weight management, and stress
reduction (up to 12 sessions),
    e. Education and self-assessment tools on a broad range of
behavioral, psychological, and life event topics,
    f. Assistance with critical incident responses,
    g. Prevention and awareness activities,
    h. Financial and legal assistance (30 minutes with qualified
professionals), and
    i. Tax preparation assistance.
6. Many of the above services will be enhancements from the previous
EAP. Most notably, SELRES and their families are now fully covered,
telephonic health coaching services are now included, and the number
of face-to-face counseling sessions available to covered members has
increased from 6 to 12. The CGSUPRT Program, as was the case with our
previous EAP, remains confidential within the limits of applicable
laws and regulations. Confidentiality procedures, including
limitations, will be explained when services commence.
7. The CG is fully committed to providing the best individual and
family support services. The CG SUPRT Program represents an
extraordinary opportunity to get help with the challenges we all face
in life, whether at work or at home.  I cannot urge you strongly
enough to take advantage of these helpful services and engage with
the program early, before a problem or concern worsens or becomes
overwhelming. Our Employee Assistance Program Coordinators at each
Health, Safety, and Work Life Regional practice are available to
provide additional information for this and related matters.
8. Commanding Officers (CO) and Officers-in-Charge (OIC) play a
critical role in creating a climate in which our members and the CG
can thrive.  Ensuring that our Shipmates feel that they can ask for
help without fear of retribution, and will be supported by their
chain of command as they deal with lifes challenges, helps to achieve
that goal.  Toward that end, COs/OICs shall ensure that information
on the CGSUPRT Program is provided to all unit personnel and their
families.
9. POC within COMDT (CG-11) for this matter is Ms. Lisa Teems,
Employee Assistance Program Manager, COMDT (CG-1112). She may be
reached at 202-475-5157 or by e-mail at Lisa.A.Teems(at)uscg.mil.
Alternatively, you may also contact CDR Jerald Mahlau-Heinert,
Work-Life Division Chief at the Health, Safety and Worklife Service
Center at 757-628-4795 or by e-mail at
Jerald.L.Mahlau-Heinert(at)uscg.mil.
10. RADM Maura K. Dollymore, Director of Health, Safety, and Work
Life, sends.
11. Internet release authorized.