E.A.P. is a benefit offered to all NYS employees, family members, and retirees. It is a voluntary program designed to offer a highly professional, confidential source of help for personal problems or concerns. The program offers assessment and referrals. The program recognizes that employees are people first and are subject to stress and pressures that impact their ability to be effective at work. Confidentiality is paramount. The only exceptions to confidentiality are when information is required by law or executive order to be disclosed, when a person is likely to harm him/herself or others, or when there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse. The NYS EAP is jointly sponsored by labor and management. It provides referrals, tailored for individual employee needs, to community resources. The program tries to offer a choice of resources, which are low-cost or no cost. Some of the services requested by employees may include:

• Assistance with family related problems;
• Assistance with emotional or physical illnesses, alcohol and other drug-related problems;
• Information on resources for childcare, eldercare, legal and financial support services;
• Workplace, health education, and employee wellness programs.
• The EAP Coordinator is able to meet with employees at the Home or in a public setting. Employees may obtain EAP services by calling (716) 847-3013.