2022 Allan Myers Mental Wellness Week
September 19-23, 2022
Allan Myers is proud to recognize our 4th annual Mental Wellness Week, September 19-23.
At Allan Myers, we believe it is not only beneficial, but it is also critical, that we bring mental wellness to the forefront of health and safety. Mental wellness is important to discuss year-round, but highlighting it during MWW provides a dedicated time for us to come together as one unified voice.
One thing I’ve always learned about leaving footprints – it’s not easy. It takes a lot of hard work. It takes all of our dedication and commitment to it, just like we’ve done over the last 20 years with safety – to become an industry leader and to bring the whole industry up with us. We can do the same with mental wellness. So, let’s work hard this week together, and let’s continue to get better and better and more focused and more comfortable with the subject of mental wellness.” – Ross Myers
We are always looking for opportunities to better support our people with our benefits package. We are excited to announce an enhancement to our current Talkspace benefit available to all employees & dependents, regardless of their enrollment in Allan Myers benefits.
- Beginning 1/1/2023, in addition to unlimited messaging, members can schedule 1 free live video therapy session per month with their Talkspace counselor. Sign up at talkspace.com/allanmyers.
Let’s get more comfortable with discussing mental wellness with our coworkers, family, and friends this week and beyond. Continue the conversation right here on UpTo! Every MWW post will conclude with a question. Share your answers or other thoughts about the post, and you will be entered to win a $250 Visa Gift Card. The winner will be announced on Friday, 9/23!
READ: Why Mental Health is Important in the Construction Industry.pdf
EXCELLENCE EVERYWHERE AND HOME SAFE TONIGHT
READ: Excellence Everywhere.pdf
READ: Home Safe Tonight
SUICIDE PREVENTION
READ: STAND Up for Suicide Prevention
READ: 988 New Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
BREAKING THE STIGMA
READ: Breaking the Stigma
RESOURCES
Our Mission: “Excellence Everywhere: From Everyone For Everyone.”
Talkspace: FREE for Allan Myers employees and their dependents (counseling 13+, psychiatry 18+). Sign up by going to talkspace.com/allanmyers | Find out more information here.
Employee Assistance Program: Provides 5 phone sessions with a licensed therapist on life management topics and can then assist in finding an in-network provider in your area. Find out more information here or call 1-800-437-0911.
Health Advocate: Helps you find a provider if you or a loved one are in need. Saves you time and energy, so you can focus on what matters: your health. No cost. Find out more here or call 1-866-695-8622.
Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention: Take a Mental Health Screening today or visit Preventionconstructionsuicide.com/STAND_UP_for_Suicide_Prevention
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741. Every person is connected with a crisis counselor, who is trained to listen and offer sound advice. https://www.crisistextline.org/
AT-HOME TEST KITS
At-home Covid-19 test kits are now more accessible than ever. Here are 3 ways to get your hands on a test:
- ORDER FREE GOVERNMENT TEST KITS
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
To order: go to https://special.usps.com/testkits and provide your household information to place your order or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) for assistance.
*Currently, each home is only eligible for a one-time order of 4 test kits, regardless of number of residents
- TEST KITS AVAILABLE AT ALLAN MYERS IF EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS
Contact your regional HR to secure a free test kit if you are experiencing symptoms. Employees only.
- RECEIVE TEST KITS THROUGH EXPRESS SCRIPTS PLAN
Employees and dependents covered under Allan Myers medical plan can order tests from the Express Scripts Pharmacy or go to any in-network retail pharmacy for a $0 copay for at-home COVID-19 tests.
Claims for at-home COVID-19 tests will automatically process at a $0 copay when members order through the Express Scripts Pharmacy or check out at in-network pharmacy counters.
If you weren’t able to purchase your at-home COVID-19 test(s) at the pharmacy counter, or happened to be charged, you can submit your receipt for reimbursement of up to $12 per test ($24 for a 2-pack) online at the ESI COVID-19 Resource Center.
For more information about how it works or finding an Express Scripts or retail pharmacy, click here: English | Spanish
2021 Allan Myers Mental Wellness Week
September 13-17, 2021
Allan Myers is leaving noticeable footprints in our industry. We held the industry’s first Mental Wellness Week in 2019 and now in 2021, we are proud that several large contractors in the U.S. have joined us.
At Allan Myers, we recognize that mental wellness is essential to living a full and productive life but does not receive the same attention as physical wellness. It’s our goal to change that within the culture of our company and beyond.
Throughout Mental Wellness Week 2021, we shared daily messaging on several mental wellness-related topics. Below you will find the content and videos that were shared with employees throughout the week. We invite our Allan Myers families to join us in the discussion surrounding mental wellness.
WATCH: Ross Myers announces Mental Wellness Week 2021
What is Mental Health & Wellness?
READ: Messaging from Allan Myers about mental health & wellness
WATCH: An explanation of mental health – what is it?
Wellness at Work
READ: Messaging from Allan Myers about wellness in the workplace
WATCH: Kirk, a construction leader, discusses speaking up at work about mental wellness
Suicide Awareness & Prevention
READ: Messaging from Allan Myers about suicide awareness & prevention
READ: Toolbox Talk from the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
WATCH: How one conversation can save a life
Avoiding Burnout & Assessing Mental Wellbeing
READ: Messaging from Allan Myers about assessing your mental wellbeing
READ: Messaging from Allan Myers about avoiding burnout
WATCH: Tips for avoiding burnout from a Talkspace therapist
Protecting our People
READ: Messaging from Allan Myers about prioritizing mental wellness
WATCH: Breaking down the stigma of mental health – it’s up to all of us
Mental Wellness Resources
*Allan Myers benefits not required to use any of the resources below
Talkspace Psychiatry & Counseling: Available for Allan Myers employees and their loved ones (counseling 13+, psychiatry 18+) at no charge for 12 months. Go to talkspace.com/allanmyers, keyword: allanmyers. Find out more here.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides employees with 5 phone sessions with a licensed therapist on life management topics and can then assist in finding an in-network provider in your area. Find out more here or call 1-800-437-0911.
Health Advocate: Helps you find a provider if you or a loved one are in need. Saves you time and energy, so you can focus on what matters: your health. No cost. Find out more here or call 1-866-695-8622.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Available 24/7 if you or someone you are about is at risk for suicide – professionals are just a phone call away. Call 1-800-273-8255 (English) or 1-888-628-9454 (Spanish). Additional resources available on their website.
Crisis Text Line – Crisis Counselors are available 24/7 to help you or a loved one in crisis. Text HELLO to 741741.
SAMHSA Helpline: A free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Find out more here or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
COVID-19: Expectations in the Wake of Positive Case Resurgence
Allan Myers is focused on reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and is committed to adjusting safety protocols accordingly. With a resurgence of positive cases across our footprint and at Allan Myers and the wave of Delta and other variants, we are reinforcing the following:
Report any of the following to HR immediately
- Stay home if you are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms and contact HR
- Positive COVID-19 test results must be reported to your supervisor and HR
- Close contact with a COVID-19 positive or presumed positive case must be reported to your supervisor and HR for further guidance and support. We have established protocols for various scenarios to ensure the health and safety of all employees including the availability of rapid testing.
Wash Your Hands
- Wash your hands with soap and water, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, or disinfectant wipes – especially before eating, drinking, after using the restroom, or after touching shared surfaces, tools etc.
- Soap and water shall be provided along with hand sanitizer and/or disinfectant wipes.
Social Distancing
- Limit visitor access and excess personnel from being in offices unless it is necessary
- Evaluate indoor meetings and available options including limiting the number of people in indoor meeting spaces and utilizing technology for meetings whenever possible
- Wear a face cover indoors if desired for added protection
Get Vaccinated
- On August 23, 2021 the FDA issued final approval of the Pfizer vaccine giving added confidence for the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine
- According to the CDC, the best approach for avoiding serious illness is to receive a vaccine
- Vaccines are readily available at local pharmacies
- The $250 gift card for full vaccination will be extended indefinitely.
- Pictures of vaccine cards can be sent to healthy2021@allanmyers.com
The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve daily. Allan Myers is committed to the health and safety of its employees and will continue to monitor updates and recommendations from respected medical professionals as they become available. If you have any questions, please contact your regional HR department.
COVID-19: Expectativas tras el resurgimiento de casos positivos
Allan Myers se centra en reducir la propagación del virus COVID-19 y se compromete a ajustar los protocolos de seguridad en consecuencia. Con un resurgimiento de casos positivos en toda nuestra huella y en Allan Myers y la ola de Delta y otras variantes, estamos reforzando lo siguiente:
Reporte cualquiera de los siguientes a Recursos Humanos inmediatamente
- Quédese en casa si experimenta síntomas similares a los de COVID-19 y comuníquese con Recursos Humanos
- Los resultados positivos de la prueba de COVID-19 deben informarse a su supervisor y a Recursos Humanos
- El contacto cercano con un caso positivo o presunto positivo de COVID-19 debe informarse a su supervisor y a Recursos Humanos para obtener más orientación y apoyo. Hemos establecido protocolos para varios escenarios para garantizar la salud y la seguridad de todos los empleados, incluida la disponibilidad de pruebas rápidas.
Lávate las manos
- Lávese las manos con agua y jabón, desinfectante de manos con al menos un 60% de alcohol o toallitas desinfectantes, especialmente antes de comer, beber, después de usar el baño o después de tocar superficies compartidas, herramientas, etc.
- Se proporcionará agua y jabón junto con desinfectante de manos y / o toallitas desinfectantes.
Distanciamiento social
- Limitar el acceso de visitantes y el exceso de personal de estar en las oficinas a menos que sea necesario
- Evalúe las reuniones en interiores y las opciones disponibles, incluida la limitación del número de personas en los espacios de reuniones interiores y la utilización de tecnología para reuniones siempre que sea posible.
- Use una cubierta facial en interiores si lo desea para mayor protección
Vacúnese
- El 23 de agosto de 2021, la FDA emitió la aprobación final de la vacuna de Pfizer, lo que brinda confianza adicional para la seguridad y efectividad de la vacuna.
- Según los CDC, el mejor enfoque para evitar enfermedades graves es recibir una vacuna.
- Las vacunas están disponibles en las farmacias locales
- La tarjeta de regalo de $250 para la vacunación completa se extenderá indefinidamente.
- Las imágenes de las tarjetas de vacunación se pueden enviar a healthy2021@allanmyers.com
La situación del COVID-19 sigue evolucionando a diario. Allan Myers está comprometido con la salud y la seguridad de sus empleados y continuará monitoreando las actualizaciones y recomendaciones de profesionales médicos respetados a medida que estén disponibles. Si tiene alguna pregunta, póngase en contacto con su departamento regional de recursos humanos.
Vaccine Update Including Vaccines for Kids 12+
Still thinking about if you want the vaccine…
The decision to get the COVID-19 vaccine is a personal one. We want you to know that Allan Myers is still happy to help you get an appointment near your home or work location if you decide you want one.
Eligibility for the $250 gift card is for anyone who gets the COVID vaccine – whether they get it through an Allan Myers event or schedules it on their own. All we need is a picture of your complete vaccine card and we will send the gift card.
If you would like assistance getting a vaccine appointment for you, your spouse/partner, or your child over 12 years old – please send a message to healthy2021@allanmyers.com.
Kids age 12+ now eligible for the Pfizer Vaccine
The FDA has approved the emergency use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged 12-15.
The CDC is reporting that children and teens are starting to account for a larger share of new COVID infections. In April, 9% of cases were aged 12-17, which is a larger proportion of cases than adults 65 and older. Because children often do not show symptoms, this number is reported as being underestimated (according to the CDC).
According to the CDC, adolescents 12-17 years of age are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. There have been over 1.5 million reported cases in this age group, over 13,000 hospitalizations and 127 children aged 12-17 have died from COVID-19. Johns Hopkins states each adult or child that is infected with the virus provides a chance for the virus to mutate, and create a variant that might prove more dangerous, or resistant to the available vaccines and therapies. Fewer overall infections among the population means less chance of dangerous variants.
Side effects of the vaccine in adolescents have been found to be like those in adults: pain at the injection site, feeling more tired than usual, headache, achy muscles, or fever/chills. According to Johns Hopkins, they generally clear up within 48 hours. Talk to your child’s physician if you have questions about the vaccine.
Appointments are now available in most counties and states for children 12-15 years old. If you need assistance finding an appointment for your child in this age group, please send a request to healthy2021@allanmyers.com and we will be happy to help.
Allan Myers Announces Adds Mental Wellness Benefit
Talkspace Psychiatry
Allan Myers wants to ensure that all our employees and their loved ones have access to quality mental health care. We know that barriers to receiving mental health support are time and money, so we continue to partner with Talkspace to offer free services to employees and their dependents, regardless of whether they have Allan Myers insurance.
We are excited to add Talkspace Psychiatry to our partnership with Talkspace Online Counseling. Talkspace Psychiatry can be used alone or in conjunction with Talkspace Counseling.
SIGNUP FOR TALKSPACE PSYCHIATRY AND/OR TALKSPACE COUNSELING:
- Go online to talkspace.com/allanmyers and enter your email and keyword allanmyers
- Choose “Therapy” or “Psychiatry” from the dropdown – if you want to do both, choose Psychiatry to create your account and then email partners-support@talkspace.com for assistance in registering for therapy
- Create your account and take the assessment to choose your psychiatrist, therapist, or counselor – you can then download the Talkspace app and sign in or stay on the web
- Begin messaging in your private chat room with your therapist or schedule your live session with your psychiatrist
Click here for more info and the differences between Talkspace Psychiatry & Talkspace Counseling.
WATCH: Real Talkspace clients share their experiences with Talkspace
Click below to download helpful resources on the topics below.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: Text or Call “988”
Managing Addiction During the COVID-19 Crisis – Mental health advocate Dr. Adi Jaffe shares practical coping strategies
Webinars from Virgin Pulse
Webinars from Carebridge
American Heart Association – https://www.heart.org
American Diabetes Association – https://www.diabetes.org
American Cancer society – https://www.cancer.org
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – https://www.nih.gov/health-information
UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center – Guided Meditations and Podcasts
The Free Mindfulness Project – Guided Meditations and Breathing Techniques
School Resources:
With the new school year quickly approaching, families with children of all ages are facing a wide range of challenges and emotions. Understanding how to effectively cope with these changes and identify available resources can help families in the months ahead.
Health Advocate is here to support you and your employees. Register at this link to see a recorded webinar addressing strategies that families can use to address uncertainty as the school year begins.
We continue to be by your side when you need us most, and we hope this is helpful to you.
Kids Activity Downloads
Video Messages from Allan Myers for Helpful Ideas and Tips
Summer Safety Tips – English
Summer Safety Tips – Spanish
Assessing Risks of Summer Activities – English
Assessing Risks of Summer Activities – Spanish
Accounts of Myers Employees with COVID – What it’s really like – English
Accounts of Myers Employees with COVID – What it’s really like – Spanish
Ideas for Kids Activities – English
Ideas for Kids Activities – Spanish
