Confidential civilian assistance Published Feb. 10, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Tim Chacon 62nd Airlift Wing JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. -- Confidentiality is the key word when talking about the Employee Assistance Program here at JBLM. A one-stop information and referral program for Department of Defense civilian employees, retired military, and (active duty, retiree, civilian employee) dependents, the EAP provides assistance for a wide variety of problems. Drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, anxiety, marital discord, financial management are just a few of the areas EAP can help with. "A military member can bring their spouse in for assistance with no reporting to chain of command," said Carl Newhouse, EAP manager. "It doesn't matter who comes in asking for the information, we will protect confidentially." The EAP also provides training for supervisors, the program is centered on civilians, but the training is available to military personnel who supervise civilians. The training is mandatory for Army supervisors and encouraged for the Air Force. "There are certain rules that apply to civilians that do not apply to military and we help military members understand them." said Newhouse According to Newhouse they key to confidentiality is to be proactive to the situation. "If someone comes in before they fail a drug test we can help them with confidentiality," said Newhouse. "If you have already failed a drug test, you lose confidentiality." Excused absence as official duty times may be granted to civilian employees to attend the initial screening/consultation. "EAP cannot make anyone do anything. We can only asses and make recommendations," said Newhouse. "We want to help people deal with their personal problems which may be affecting their performance or relationships in the work place." For more information contact, Carl Newhouse at 253-967-1412 or by email of carl.e.newhouse.civ@mail.mil