The Fall River Government Center Municipal Employee Wellness Program (H.I.P.P.) offered employees the opportunity to learn more about the City's Employee Assistance Program on May 27, 2009 at a luncheon in the sixth floor Fall River Room of Government Center. Employee Assistance services are offered to City workers through a program provided by Southcoast Hospitals. Social worker Ron Pelletier explained that EAP services are offered to employees and immediate family members as a benefit of employment. Employees may contact the EAP on their own for assistance with personal problems or be referred to the EAP by their supervisor. Problems can be work related or not, including alcohol and substance abuse, marital problems or mental health concerns such as depression or stress and anxiety. The program is voluntary and strictly confidential; no information regarding the employee's assessment and counseling sessions can be reported back to the supervisor unless the employee gives written authorization. The H.I.P.P. Wellness Program also runs a Mega Mileage Club that encourages employees to increase their walking and a Weight-Watchers group that meets at the Police Department. Click here for a presentation of heart-healthy cooking. For more information about the Municipal Employee Wellness Program and sign-ups at any time, contact Julianne Kelly at 508-324-2405.

(Top row, left) Nadine Castro and Maria Gonzalves and help themselves to a heart-healthy lunch so they can attend the program during their lunch hour. (Top row, center) Employees talk to Healthy Lives coordinator Mike Ramos during the lunch. (Top row, right) Municipal Employee Wellness Program coordinator Julianne Kelly introduces Ron Pelletier of the Charlton Hospital Employee Assistance Program. (Middle and bottom rows) Mr. Pelletier explains the benefits of the program and how it can be accessed either by employees or by supervisors. (Bottom row, center) The Employee Assistance Program office on Prospect Street sits next the the Charlton Hospital parking garage.