Latest news with #EmployeeAssistanceProgram
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Covington Middle School student dies after end-of-year celebration: Austin school district
An Austin eighth grade student died Thursday morning after complications related to an incident at a school-related celebration, according to the Austin school district. Vadir Gonzalez-Arias, who was a student at Covington Middle School, died after an undisclosed incident at an eighth grade celebration at Dick Nichols Park in Southwest Austin, according to the district. The park is less than three miles from Covington. "Vadir was kind, caring, and approached each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to do what was asked of him," Principal Cedric Maddox said in a letter to families. "He treated his peers and teachers with genuine respect and made those around him feel seen and appreciated. "We know that this news may be difficult for students to understand and process, and we are here to support them," Maddox said. Covington's campus was open Friday as a counseling center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for students to talk to English and Spanish-speaking counselors and licensed mental health professionals, Maddox said. The Austin district suggested the following community resources for those who need help: The Christi Center – free information and support groups for youth and adults regarding grief and loss: 512-467-2600 Integral Care – 24 hours support for mental health crises or by appointment: 512-472-4357 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Austin ISD Employee Assistance Program resources. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Covington Middle School student dies after end-of-year celebration
Time Business News
27-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Best Insurance Plans for Mental Health Coverage 2025
In 2025, prioritizing mental health is more important than ever. As awareness grows and stigma decreases, access to reliable insurance plans that include robust mental health coverage has become a vital part of comprehensive healthcare. Whether you're looking for therapy, medication, or inpatient treatment, the right insurance can make these services more affordable and accessible. This guide outlines some of the best options available in 2025. Insurance Plans for Mental Health Coverage UnitedHealthcare (UHC) stands out for its wide provider network and commitment to behavioral health. UHC offers various programs like 24/7 virtual mental health visits, an extensive network of in-person therapists, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Their coverage includes therapy, substance use treatment, and crisis care, making it one of the most well-rounded choices available today. Learn more about UHC mental health benefits and how they can support your well-being throughout the year. Cigna Healthcare is another strong contender, offering a seamless digital experience and access to both traditional and alternative mental health therapies. With options like personalized coaching and virtual sessions, Cigna appeals especially to younger populations who value convenience and digital-first experiences. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield includes behavioral health as part of their essential benefits under ACA-compliant plans. Their telehealth expansion in 2025 further supports remote therapy and mental health consultation, making care more reachable than ever. Other notable mentions include Oscar Health and Kaiser Permanente, both of which continue to grow their mental health support services, with Kaiser focusing on integrated care and Oscar leveraging tech-driven member engagement. To address growing demand, many plans now offer more flexible policies, with expanded coverage for preventive therapy sessions, youth mental health programs, and even stress-management tools. Mental health parity laws have also strengthened, requiring insurers to treat mental health on par with physical health, which has pushed more providers to refine their offerings. Many employers are now offering expanded mental wellness benefits as part of group plans to improve productivity and satisfaction across their workforce. This shift toward proactive care means that therapy is now seen as a vital wellness tool, not just a crisis response. Conclusion Choosing the best mental health insurance plan in 2025 involves more than comparing premiums—it's about understanding the level of support, network accessibility, and how well a plan fits your unique needs. Providers like UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Anthem are leading the charge in offering flexible, comprehensive coverage that prioritizes your mental well-being. With more tools, more providers, and better access than ever before, now is the time to invest in your mental health through the right insurance partner. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
West Australian
26-05-2025
- West Australian
Security staff need counselling, can't return to work after Westfield Bondi Junction attack
Some security staff still require counselling and haven't been able to return to work at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre following the 2024 stabbing rampage, an inquest has been told. Joel Cauchi stabbed 16 people and killed Dawn Singleton, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Ahmed Tahir, Ashlee Good, Jade Young and Pikria Darchia at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13, 2024, before he was then shot dead by police. A coronial inquest into the attack was told some security staff hadn't been able to return to work at the shopping centre following the tragedy. The shopping centre is operated by Scentre Group, which uses subcontractors Falkon and Glad Group. Glad chief executive Steve Iloski told the inquest that several staff had been affected by the attack and needed counselling and support from the Employee Assistance Program. He said Glad was doing 'everything in our power' to get them back on their feet. 'I take that quite serious,' Mr Iloski told the court. 'Our priority is the welfare of our staff … We had counselling services, financial aid that was acquired for the staff to continue actively in life in general.' He paid tribute to security guard Mr Tahir, who was killed during his first day on the job at the shopping centre. 'That day changed lives, it took lives (in) the cruellest of circumstances,' Mr Iloski said. 'Faraz Tahir was clearly so loved by his family, friends, community, and I can confidently say that his loss …(has) been felt deeply across Glad Group and the security industry.' He also extended his thoughts to Mr Tahir's family as well as the families of the five other victims and surviving security guard Muhammad Taha. 'You were injured trying to protect others … We owe you our deepest respect and gratitude,' he said. Mr Iloski said the tragedy had 'hit home' for him even though he wasn't present on the day. 'I really am sorry, what's happened on that day – it's heart wrenching,' he told the court. 'I've got young kids … it really hits home. As a leader, we've always taken security and safety as paramount. 'The team did the best they could, I don't think anything would've changed that day unfortunately. 'Mr Cauchi … his intent was very clear 'I'm very sorry, and we take this quite seriously.' The responses and policies of Scentre and Glad have been probed at length over the course of the inquest, which entered its fifth and final week on Monday morning. This included the competency of the sole control room operator, who can only be known as CR1, rostered to the CCTV control room on the day of the attack. The court was earlier told how she failed to answer questions related to an active armed offender on a competency checklist weeks before her training was signed off in January 2024 and how she went to the bathroom 40 seconds before Cauchi stabbed his first victim, leaving the room unmonitored. Cauchi had attacked eight people by the time she re-entered, with all 16 people stabbed by the time another security employee (known as CR2) entered the room about 3.36pm. Security expert Scott Wilson told the court that he didn't feel CR1 performed her job adequately on the day. Public announcements were also not made until about 20 minutes after the first victim was stabbed. When they were finally made about 3.52pm, they were done from a room external to the CCTV control room, and people were unsure whether the person making them (CR1) was under duress as she sounded 'distressed and distraught', the court was told. An automated PA system had since been put in place at the shopping centre, along with a raft of other measures, the court was told. Mr Iloski told the court that the inquest has been 'very valuable', and while some of the evidence had been 'hard' for team members, scrutiny was important. mental health support
Perth Now
26-05-2025
- Perth Now
‘Changed lives': Revelation after Bondi attack
Some security staff still require counselling and haven't been able to return to work at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre following the 2024 stabbing rampage, an inquest has been told. Joel Cauchi stabbed 16 people and killed Dawn Singleton, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Ahmed Tahir, Ashlee Good, Jade Young and Pikria Darchia at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13, 2024, before he was then shot dead by police. A coronial inquest into the attack was told some security staff hadn't been able to return to work at the shopping centre following the tragedy. The shopping centre is operated by Scentre Group, which uses subcontractors Falkon and Glad Group. Glad chief executive Steve Iloski told the inquest that several staff had been affected by the attack and needed counselling and support from the Employee Assistance Program. Staff members have been unable to return to work at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre following the tragedy. NewsWire / Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia He said Glad was doing 'everything in our power' to get them back on their feet. 'I take that quite serious,' Mr Iloski told the court. 'Our priority is the welfare of our staff … We had counselling services, financial aid that was acquired for the staff to continue actively in life in general.' He paid tribute to security guard Mr Tahir, who was killed during his first day on the job at the shopping centre. 'That day changed lives, it took lives (in) the cruellest of circumstances,' Mr Iloski said. 'Faraz Tahir was clearly so loved by his family, friends, community, and I can confidently say that his loss …(has) been felt deeply across Glad Group and the security industry.' He also extended his thoughts to Mr Tahir's family as well as the families of the five other victims and surviving security guard Muhammad Taha. 'You were injured trying to protect others … We owe you our deepest respect and gratitude,' he said. Security guard Faraz Tahir was killed during his first day working at the shopping centre. Supplied. Credit: Supplied Mr Iloski said the tragedy had 'hit home' for him even though he wasn't present on the day. 'I really am sorry, what's happened on that day – it's heart wrenching,' he told the court. 'I've got young kids … it really hits home. As a leader, we've always taken security and safety as paramount. 'The team did the best they could, I don't think anything would've changed that day unfortunately. 'Mr Cauchi … his intent was very clear 'I'm very sorry, and we take this quite seriously.' Bondi stabbing victims (top l-r) Dawn Singleton, Ashlee Good, Cheng Yixuan, (bottom l-r) Faraz Tahir, Jade Young and Pikria Darchia. Credit: Supplied The responses and policies of Scentre and Glad have been probed at length over the course of the inquest, which entered its fifth and final week on Monday morning. This included the competency of the sole control room operator, who can only be known as CR1, rostered to the CCTV control room on the day of the attack. The court was earlier told how she failed to answer questions related to an active armed offender on a competency checklist weeks before her training was signed off in January 2024 and how she went to the bathroom 40 seconds before Cauchi stabbed his first victim, leaving the room unmonitored. Joel Cauchi stabbed 16 people, killing six, before he was shot dead. Supplied. Credit: Supplied Cauchi had attacked eight people by the time she re-entered, with all 16 people stabbed by the time another security employee (known as CR2) entered the room about 3.36pm. Security expert Scott Wilson told the court that he didn't feel CR1 performed her job adequately on the day. Public announcements were also not made until about 20 minutes after the first victim was stabbed. When they were finally made about 3.52pm, they were done from a room external to the CCTV control room, and people were unsure whether the person making them (CR1) was under duress as she sounded 'distressed and distraught', the court was told. An automated PA system had since been put in place at the shopping centre, along with a raft of other measures, the court was told. Mr Iloski told the court that the inquest has been 'very valuable', and while some of the evidence had been 'hard' for team members, scrutiny was important. mental health support
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Advantage Solutions supports St. Louis in wake of tornado devastation
With recovery efforts ongoing, Advantage pledges financial assistance and is mobilizing employee volunteers to assist after Friday's natural disaster ST. LOUIS, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Advantage Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: ADV) announced today it will provide support to The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis following the recent tornadoes that caused widespread destruction in the region, including significant damage to the League's headquarters. In alignment with its commitment to build stronger, more resilient communities, Advantage will donate $25,000 to the Urban League's emergency relief efforts and is mobilizing a team of employees to help with on-the-ground cleanup and recovery efforts. 'Our hearts are with the entire St. Louis community, and especially with our partners at the Urban League. Despite suffering their own major losses, they're once again stepping up to serve their neighbors in need,' said Advantage Solutions CEO Dave Peacock. 'In times of crisis, we believe businesses must act with urgency and compassion. That's why we're expanding our support and calling on others to do the same.' In addition to the community at large, Advantage is committed to supporting its own teammates impacted by the disaster. Eligible teammates can apply for grants through the company's Associate Support Fund, which provides financial assistance for those affected by natural disasters and other unexpected hardships. Additionally, all teammates have access to the Employee Assistance Program, which offers 24/7 support from trained advocates who can help assess needs, develop solutions, and connect individuals to valuable resources. Advantage's support of the Urban League builds on a multi-year partnership that includes its Save Our Sisters Fund, which provides holistic wraparound services — including employment, education, rental, mortgage and utility assistance — for women from all walks of life to help them reach their full potential. To learn more about the Urban League's recovery efforts or to make a contribution, visit About Advantage Solutions Advantage Solutions is the leading omnichannel retail solutions agency in North America, uniquely positioned at the intersection of consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brands and retailers. With its data- and technology-powered services, Advantage leverages its unparalleled insights, expertise and scale to help brands and retailers of all sizes generate demand and get products into the hands of consumers, wherever they shop. Whether it's creating meaningful moments and experiences in-store and online, optimizing assortment and merchandising, or accelerating e-commerce and digital capabilities, Advantage is the trusted partner that keeps commerce and life moving. Advantage has offices throughout North America and strategic investments and owned operations in select international markets. For more information, please visit About the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis The mission of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. is to empower African Americans and others throughout the region in securing economic self-reliance, social equality, and civil rights. As the leading champion of empowerment and opportunity for African Americans, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis envisions a region where all people are valued members of the community; can adequately support themselves and their families; live in the neighborhoods that are vibrant and thriving; and share in the region's prosperity and well-being. Investor Contact:Ruben Media Contact:Jeffrey in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
