HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Hanscom Integrated Prevention and Resilience Office is sponsoring Hans-Calm, a weekly opportunity for members of Team Hanscom to connect with peers, share insights, and problem solve.
Hans-Calm, held every Thursday at the Chapel Annex from 12 to 1 p.m., aims to enhance stress management skills and promote resilience for members of the community.
“Over the past six weeks, there has been a significant amount of change within the federal workforce, which can be unsettling.” said Dr. Ebon Alley, Hanscom AFB Integrated Prevention and Response director. “We want to provide a collaborative forum where people can commune together, share their experiences and support, and learn some new skills.”
Peer leaders guide these semi-structured sessions, while guest speakers from various helping agencies will be in attendance to provide consultation and advice.
The idea was initially born out of a concerning number of civilian employees measuring at risk for high blood pressure, which is often a symptom of stress.
“I work closely with the installation helping agencies and they are reporting increased amounts of stress with their clients,” said Alley. “We are in a unique time where the population has immediate exposure to policy information through social media, which has not yet reached them through traditional communication channels.”
He adds, “Workforce changes can leave our workforce and families feeling powerless and stressed due to the uncertainty of potential life changes.”
As a federal employee, supervisor, and family member, Alley has personally experienced this stress.
“Not only am I a civilian employee, but my spouse is a probationary employee at the VA [Veterans Health Administration],” he said.
Despite the challenges, Alley has strong peer support in the workplace.
“On a positive note, I have observed a tremendous amount of wisdom and compassionate support being provided amongst colleagues in the workplace,” he said. “People are looking out for one another and sharing information, that is really the goal of Hans-Calm.”
Alley also highlighted the availability of other professional networks and resources, such as Military Family Life Consultants, Employee Assistance Program, Civilian Health Promotions Services, Primary Care Behavioral Health, Military Family Readiness Center, and Chaplain services.
Employees can find contact information for these services https://www.hanscom.af.mil/Units/Support/.
Military members who need support can contact their local mental health clinic for services or Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or visit militaryonesource.mil.
For Air Force-level resilience programs, visit https://www.resilience.af.mil/.