The UAW-GM Employee Assistance Program offers confidential information, support and assistance for a variety of personal problems, in order to help employees and their family members develop healthier lifestyles and to enhance the effectiveness of the workforce. Further, the program is designed to help prevent the development of personal problems and provide access for treatment and aftercare for those already affected. Hourly and salaried employees, retirees and family members are welcome to contact the plant’s Employee Assistance Professional, Angie VanArnam, at 616-246-3151. Participation in the program is voluntary and confidential.  

The program assists with resolving marital and family differences, treating alcohol or drug abuse, untangling financial difficulties, dealing with mental health disorders, and coping with workplace change or critical incidents. Other issues that are routinely addressed include grief, parenting, domestic abuse, depression, anger, trauma, stress, gambling, anxiety, budgeting and a myriad of other concerns. These problems impair people's ability to function effectively in their personal, family and work lives.

The EAP is available to listen, provide support, help prioritize the issues causing distress, and offer ideas to resolve them. Sometimes this may involve professional therapy or accessing various company, Union or community resources; there also may be times when situations cannot be changed, and the EAP then helps with developing coping skills.

If you are considering seeing any type of mental health provider (counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, etc.), the first step is to find out about your insurance coverage. We still have an excellent mental health and substance abuse benefit. However, services will only be covered if the rules of the Careline insurance plan are followed, and if the provider is selected from the approved panel. Angie can help you understand how this works and make a personalized referral to meet your family’s needs while staying within the plan’s rules. Please call her at 616-246-3151 before you seek services.