The Commonwealth’s statewide COVID-19 workforce includes many individuals, including employees, volunteers, and contractors who are working long hours under difficult conditions and experiencing the toll that it takes on lives.
This is an unprecedented time of human need, high stress, high consequences, and rapid change. In response is the deep commitment of health care professionals, caregivers, and those who support the front line. Their jobs are to care for themselves, as well as their families and friends, their patients, and their communities.
The Commonwealth’s statewide COVID-19 workforce includes many individuals, including employees, volunteers, and contractors who are working long hours under difficult conditions and experiencing the toll that it takes on lives. We see this in ourselves, our families, and our colleagues.
There are places to turn for help. This is not an exhaustive list of resources, but may be useful as you consider a place to start.
Check with your employer
Check with your employer regarding health care services for which you and dependent family members may be eligible. Many employers also offer Employee Assistance Services, either independently contracted or through their health care plans. Employee Assistance programs are positioned to provide direct care and support in addition to linkage to resources in your community.
COVID-19 Employee Assistance Program Resources
Virginia Department of Health
Office of Human Resources
April 1, 2020
Dear VDH Colleagues:
Many of us are still in disbelief over the terrible pandemic affecting so many across Virginia and the globe. Our thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and all of the communities. We know that stressful events like this pandemic effect whole communities. We want to thank all of you for your hard work, patience and support during this time of uncertainty.
We understand that employees may be experiencing increased feelings of stress and anxiety during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of us are home with our children, parents, grandparents, and other loved ones. There are many employees teleworking and keeping work flowing. Then there are those working in our health districts, offices and on the frontlines combating this pandemic. The effects of the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming and will leave psychological and emotional scars on many people. However, no one has to deal with this ordeal alone; there is support available. Staff with state employee health benefits can access the Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). State wage employees and employees who have waived state health insurance benefits may access EAP website resources through the Anthem and Aetna Employee Assistance Programs until September 30, 2020. In order to support you during this time, these online resources are available to help you identify and acknowledge the emotions you may be experiencing and offer practical suggestions for coping.
COVA Care and COVA HDHP
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Member Services: 1-855-223-9277
EAP Services for State Employees with state health insurance coverage – www.AnthemEAP.com (Log in: Commonwealth of Virginia)
COVA HealthAware
Aetna
Member Services: 888-238-6232
EAP Services for State Employees with state health insurance coverage: www.mylifevalues.com (Username: COVA/Password: COVA)
Kaiser Permanente HMO
Member Services: 866-517-7042
EAP Services for State Employees with state health insurance coverage www.achievesolutions.net/kaiser
Optima Health Vantage HMO Plan
Member Services: 1-800-846-2682
EAP Services for State Employees with state health insurance coverage:
https://www.optimahealth.com/group-pages/cova/eap
Those without state health insurance plans should check their spouse’s plans for EAP services. In addition to health insurance plans there are other community resources, such as:
Disaster Relief Helpline
800-985-5990
https://www.samhsa.gov/disaster-preparedness
Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, Inc.
https://vacsb.org/
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov
Also, remember to take care of yourself and others by following the CDC guidelines on preventing the spread of COVID-19. Please refer to our website: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ for information. If you have questions regarding your health benefits and EAP Service, please feel free to contact your SBS Human Resources or the Office of Human Resources Benefits section.
Take care,
Rebecca E. Bynum
Human Resource Director
Community Resources
Virginia’s Community Service Boards serve every area of the Commonwealth. Find your CSB here.
The Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics identifies clinics that may be located in your area.
The Virginia Department of Social Services can also help identify community resources.
Specialized Interest Groups
Groups with which you may be affiliated may also offer information, resources and connections. Such groups include industry-specific & professional organizations, advocacy groups, support groups, and, alumni organizations.
Networks of family and friends may be a source of information as well as support and connections to resources in your community.
Faith-based communities also serve as a resource for many.
National Level Supports
In addition to local and state-level resources, several national resources are available to assist during this difficult time. Many of these are listed on our National Level Support page.
