The Starke County Commissioners discussed the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) during their meeting Monday.
An EAP provides voluntary, confidential services to employees who need help managing personal difficulties or life challenges. EAPs address a wide range of concerns, including marital or family problems, mental health disorders, substance abuse, financial stress, legal problems, bereavement and caregiver stress. An EAP helps employees improve their health and wellness, as well as their fortitude, so they can better respond to challenges that life throws their way.
The commissioners announced the county had previously received their EAP through Bowen Health Center but would like to switch their service provider to Porter-Starke Services. Starke County Auditor Rachel Oesterreich told WKVI News, Bowen Health Center is no longer accepting Anthem Insurance which is what county employees have. She added if county employees wanted to continue their sessions through Bowen Health Center they would have to pay out of pocket. She stated this was the deciding factor for the commissioners on changing providers to Porter-Starke Services.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was brought forth for the commissioners to consider approving with Porter-Starke Services. A motion was made and seconded in approving the MOU. The commissioners then voted unanimously approving the MOU with Porter-Starke Services for their EAP.
