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For the past fourteen years, I have been attending the Labor Assistance Professionals annual conference. This is an opportunity for many internal members and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) staff to get together to share their experience and wisdom, but most importantly, solidarity! Last week, I attended my sixteenth Conference.
For LAP background information (ex. New York City chapter was the foundation/founders of the Labor Assistance Professionals in 1991) and reference, you might want to check out their website (http://www.laborassistanceprofessionals.com)…has some nice historical information as well as a mission statement.
When I was first introduced to the New York (and later) Boston membership, I knew this was an organization I wanted to be part of, not only because their mission statement is right on, but because of the caring, concerning people who will do anything to help one of their members or their family! Recovery is such an important piece of the equation with all the “brothers and sisters” who participate yearly in this conference.
Let me share with you a personal experience and why I am so passionate about this organization. In 2001, I was sent to New York City to assist the FDNY during 9/11. The members of a certain firehouse had taken a terrible blow; losing six of their “brothers” in the attack. I spent a good deal of time discussing the horrible situation with the Fire Captain and the impact it was having on his crew. The Captain of house had already performed a needs assessment and related to me the emotional burden of the grieving families and how important it was, historically, for the firehouse to help the families of a member who were killed in line of duty. That being realized, the Captain explained if I really wanted to help their firehouse, their crew and their families, “get me a bus to bring all families to funerals”. Through my friends in Labor Assistance Professionals, I contacted the NYC Transport Workers Union and explained my challenge to Ted Mapes, the union MAP (Materials Approval Process) coordinator. Realizing that this was a time of desperate need, without any hesitation, Ted provided that firehouse with a City bus and driver to assist all the families of the fallen firefighters. Just like that!
Through our “brothers and sisters” in Labor Assistance Professionals, we have connections in just about every city and town in America. Whatever is needed (getting someone into treatment, providing transportation to and from meetings, detox centers, hospitals, etc.) …they are always there to help.
To all, I say “THANK YOU” for the opportunity to belong and rejuvenate!
Mike
Michael Blackburn, CEAP, LADC-1, BRI-II
Vice President
