When Department of the Army civilians have problems and they aren't associated with the military, are there services available to them on Fort Knox? For those who don't have access to the on-post health clinic, the Employee Assistance Program is available to assist the civilian workforce in achieving and maintaining personal wellness, said John Emary, the Fort Knox EAP.

"The purpose of the Army Employee Assistance Program is to help employees in identifying and resolving personal problems that may affect their job performance and well-being," he explained. "(I also) assist management in addressing productivity issues and promote installation work, life (and) wellness programs."

Emary added that when an employee visits his office there is complete confidentiality and the individual's supervisor isn't notified about the visit. His job is also to provide options and alternatives. If something isn't working Emary will provide another option and look for different avenues of approach.

"Your EAP professional is expected to interface with all levels of employment organizations," he said. "While doing this, they are required to maintain a code of professional, ethical conduct with the employee and the employer. Your employer does not have the right to know the details of your conversation with the EAP professional.

"This means that your information will remain confidential. Your confidentiality is/ (are) the highest (priority/) priorities that (my) office protects. The only exception is circumstances required by law or our Fort Knox policies."

For example, Emary said he would have to notify others if a person disclosed he or she is going to harm themselves or others. He has a duty by law to warn and protect.

He added that if an employee decides to use the services provided by EAP, he or she can stop by during normal work hours. And the individual isn't required to disclose to their supervisor why they are attending EAP, but he advises them to inform the supervisor they plan to stop by his office.

"The relationship between the (supervisor) and the employee is critical," he explained.

Emary pointed out that some civilians believe that his main function is helping those who have drug or alcohol problems but that's not true. The program provides services to individuals who have lost a job or changing a job, have children leaving home, have marriage and divorce, having a baby or have surgery.

"(I assist with) resiliency development, life skills training, confidential crisis counseling, short-term counseling, assessment and referral/follow up (and) Prime for Life," said Emary.

Even though Emary is available to assist someone who has a drug or alcohol problem, he said there are times when a referral is needed. If a referral is needed Emary will assist the employee with finding suitable services that are paid by the individual's insurance.

Although EAP doesn't pay for services that require a referral, Emary said the program is completely free.

In the rare instance an employee doesn't have health insurance Emary said some counselors provide services on a sliding scale and sometimes those services are free. But the employee will sometimes have to provide something that's equivalent to community service.

"If someone has an addiction (he or she) will be rewarded for things they did well," Emary explained about those who receive services on a sliding or free scale.

Emary said he believes and talks about one of the steps in the 12 steps of Alcohol Anonymous that states "a power greater than ourselves (can) restore us to sanity."

"I want to see people helped and well," he said.

For more information about EAP, stop by the program at Bldg. 1224 or call (502) 624-8361. Emary also has an office in the Lt. Gen. Timothy Maude Complex in Bldg. 6, first floor, room 064. He can be reached at (502) 613-4713 for those who work in the complex.