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Program
Chair Martin Krebs called the meeting
to order at 1:35 p.m. followed
by introduction of Council members and guest speakers Bob Larsen, Director
of IQ Health and Alan Cohn, Director of Faculty & Employee Assistance
Program.
Before the guest speakers took the podium, Bill announced that he would
be retiring and this would be his last Council meeting. He paused to
reflect on how difficult it was over 33 years ago to get pertinent
information out to employees and that is why the Employee Council was
formulated. Bill added that he initially wanted a university-wide Employee
Council, but found out that it was too broad. As an alternative, separate
Employee Councils were created and presently, there are approximately 150
employees who serve on the councils in total. He concluded by saying that
he thoroughly enjoyed serving on the councils and would miss them.
Guest Speaker 1: Bob Larsen (Director of IQ Health)
Mr. Larsen began with a brief overview of IQ Health. Part of the Health
Services Foundation, this non-profit organization was founded eleven years
ago. Dr. Morris, Dr. Detmer, and Dean Carey
played an integral part in getting the organization started. Since its
inception, IQ Health has provided a wide range of services through three
programs: Health Enhancement Programs (HEP), Occupational Health Services
(OHS), and Faculty & Employee Assistance Programs (EAP/FEAP).
Health Enhancement Programs (HEP)
Mr. Larsen commented that this program was designed primarily to help
individuals create a healthier lifestyle. To achieve this objective, IQ
Health implemented the Health Risk Appraisal tool designed to assess the
health status of an individual. This service is free for UVA
faculty/employees and those interested in signing up should call 924-8002
or email IQHVA@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu. In addition to this service, Mr.
Larson commented that IQ Health offers classes to individuals who want to
quit smoking, lose weight, and develop healthier eating habits.
Occupational Health Services (OHS)
Mr. Larsen commented that money and life/death experiences are two factors
that could impact and change the lifestyles of individuals. He went to
discuss a variety of services provided under the OHS umbrella.
- Required
Surveillance/OSHA Requirements: OHS provides medical
surveillance evaluations for workers with real or potential exposure
to workplace hazards such as lead paint or asbestos testing. Workers
are required to complete a pre-authorized worker’s compensation
form on issues of this nature.
- Immunizations:
OHS provides immunizations to employees such as flu shots. Not
surprising, Mr. Larsen noted that approximately 65% of employees took
flu shots this year that can be attributed to the September 11 events.
- Workers'
Compensation Medical Management: OHS provides assessment, treatment
and return to work guidance for employees.
- Illness/Health
Promotion: to prevent illness and injury among employees, to
detect illness early, to promote good health practices, to treat a
limited range of illness and injury occurring on the job, and to refer
employees to a source of continuing care. Mr. Larsen commented that
indicators
In addition to the services previously mentioned, Mr. Larsen pointed out
that OHS offered employees health education programs such as alcohol and
drug referral, blood pressure screening, medical referrals, crisis
referrals, and, ergonomics assessment. In addition to the services
previously mentioned, Mr. Larsen pointed out that OHS offered employees
health education programs such as alcohol and drug referral, blood pressure
screening, medical referrals, crisis referrals, and, ergonomics assessment.
Questions:
- Arlene asked if IQ
Health would consider opening the Health Risk Appraisal program to an
employee’s immediate family. Mr. Larsen responded by saying that
cost is an issue and the primary focus for now is on the employee.
- Martin asked how
often the Health Risk Appraisal program is conducted. Mr. Larsen
replied 10 times a year at different locations. He added that the goal
is to have at least 400-600 employees participate each year.
- Martin followed from
his previous question by asking whether the Health Risk Appraisal
program is a cost to the Department. Guest speaker Alan Kohn
interjected by saying that there is no cost to the Department of the
EAP/FEAP side since this program is considered release time of
Classified Staff.
Final Notes:
Mr. Larsen concluded his discussion by providing some statistical
information:
- Vision Care is the
leader of choice when it comes to managing the health risks of
employees
- As a nation we spend
approximately 1% of our time on prevention and the remaining 99% on
treatment
- 53% of premature
deaths are caused by an individual’s lifestyle
Arlene commented that her staff receives a $35 discount on their
membership for getting healthy and using the facilities which
indicates that finances play an indirect role when it comes to health
and fitness.
Guest Speaker 2: Alan Cohn (Faculty & Employee Assistance
Program – EAP/FEAP)
Alan focused on the third program provided by IQ Health called EAP/FEAP. During
his 11 years at the University, he has assisted employees with both
job-related and personal problems affecting their everyday lives. For this
reason, Alan stressed the importance of educating Managers on this subject,
providing them with consultation, and what step to take when assisting
employees with a referral.
History
EAP/FEAP began in the 1940’s dealing primarily with substance abuse.
By the 1960’s, its scope was broadened and today, focuses primarily
on assessment and referral. During this process, an orientation is
conducted with the Manager followed by a formal referral. Alan commented
that even though Mangers are notified when an employee is referred from
their unit, no content is disclosed to them. The objective is to encourage
individuals having problems to seek assistance from this service rather
than self-referrals from friends.
Problems currently discussed on the Academic Side
- Marital problems
- Job stress due to
budget constraints
- Oracle
Is there a cost?
The EAP/FEAP services are provided to the employee at no cost. Alan pointed
out that the $0 co-payment when one is referred by EAP/FEAP is one way to
deter individuals from doing self-evaluations because it is a free service
provided by the employer. As a further note, there are links between the
Primary Care Physicians (PCP’s) and the mental health agencies that
is beneficial to employees. Of course, employees will incur a cost when
services are used outside FEAP.
Who may use EAP/FEAP?
Networked nationally, employees, including their families are eligible to
use EAP/FEAP services. In fact, family members may contact EAP directly. Of
course, confidentiality will be maintained. This service is available to
employees 24-hour a day and can be contacted by dialing 434-243-2643 or
1-800-847-9355. To reach a counselor directly, you can email
eap@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.
Common Employee Assistance Problems
- Marital/Relationship
Concerns
- Job Related Issues
- Behavioral Concerns
- Family and
Parenting Issues
- Personal/Emotional
Concerns
- Alcohol or Drug Problems
- Eldercare Concerns
- Management Services
Services Provided by EAP/FEAP
- Eldercare Program
– employees and faculty learn about taking care of their
parents. Because this program is linked both locally and nationally,
employees benefit from it.
- Legal / Financial – this program does not focus just
on marital issues, but on debt issues as well.
- Return to Duty
– ensures that all information is in tact when returning to
work.
- Critical Incident
Stress Management – there have been approximately 400 debriefings
dealing with traumatic stress, the recent death of a graduate student,
and suicide.
- Managed Care
Services – facilitates the process of getting a referral by
providing employees with 3 names.
- Conflict Management
– generally, brown bag lunch sessions are held for employees to
discuss this topic.
- Mediation Services.
Alan wanted to make clear that EAP/FEAP does not provide therapy or
long-term counseling to employees. Rather, they provide referrals for
employees. He added that on-site Departmental consultation is available for
departments and its staff.
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