A federal perspective on EAPs and emergency preparedness

Federal Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) have a long history of intervention in emergency situations, and their role has expanded since September 11, 2001. There is considerable evidence on the importance of organizational factors such as social support in protecting disaster victims from the psychological effects of trauma. The authors recommend that EAPs become integrally involved in organizations' emergency planning processes, so that such supports can be built into all aspects of plans. EA professionals should function as organizational consultants, not simply as helpers who will eventually care for those affected. Two federally based case studies provide examples of EA professionals who have successfully used such an approach in their respective organizations.