If you’ve lived for any length of time, more than likely you have come to the realization that life can be hard. While every day is a gift from God, there are certain life events that try our patience, consume our strength and steal our joy. Some events are like seasons that come and go while others redefine our life.  Depression, moving, the death of a spouse, burnout, loneliness and isolation, drug addiction, and loss of a job are just a few examples that leave us hurting.

But you’re not alone. There is someone you can talk to.

The West Ohio Conference, in partnership with OhioHealth, offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide short-term, mental health support. This no cost, confidential program will provide up to six visits (in person) per person each calendar year. Certified lay ministers, pastors appointed to a local church, clergy appointed to extension ministry and serving on Conference and District staffs, as well as lay Conference and District staff, and dependents, are eligible to participate.

For EAP visits, providers are currently in the following counties: Allen, Athens, Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Green, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Licking, Logan, Lucas, Madison, Marion, Mercer, Montgomery, Pickaway, Sandusky, Scioto, Seneca, Springfield, Union, Wood, and Wyandot. The Provider Network is ever-expanding to create greater access for all participants and their families. However, if you do not see your county, please call or email OhioHealth to locate the nearest provider.

To access the EAP:

• Call (614) 566.3348 or (800) 992.8533, or email EAP@ohiohealth.com Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• If calling outside of the scheduled hours, you can leave a detailed message and a counselor will return your call on the next business day.
• For crisis situations, call the numbers above and follow the prompts to be connected with a counselor.