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Employee Assistance Program

“We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list.” – Michelle Obama

“We are simply navigating through work and life transitions” – Dr. Magda Alliancin

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SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is the fourth largest employer in Brooklyn. Eighty-six percent of its employees are New York City residents; 68 percent live in Brooklyn. Our employees work tirelessly to educate our students and provide the highest standard of care to our patients.

The Frances Dubose Batiste Memorial Employee Assistance Program at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center was founded in 1984. It takes its name from a former and now deceased President of CSEA Local 626, here at Downstate, who was instrumental in brining an EAP to our institution. Unfortunately, Ms. Batiste passed away before the Program was fully implemented. It was decided that a fitting tribute to her hard work and dedication would be to name the Program after her. Today, the EAP still bears her name.

The EAP was initiated in response to the growing demand for a service that could offer all employees a confidential setting in which to discuss personal issues, and to get the necessary help. SUNY Downstate is one of a handful of State facilities to have a full-time EAP Coordinator on staff. Most other facilities have only part-time staff, who fulfill other roles in addition to their EAP responsibilities.

Eligibility

All current employees of the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, their immediate families, and the retirees of the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (and their immediate families) are eligible to use the EAP service. In addition, all residents and housestaff of University Hospital, and all residents and housestaff who hold faculty appointments, regardless of assignment, are eligible to use the services of the EAP. Using the EAP is not a condition of employment. It is a voluntary option.

Confidentiality Statement

"The Employee Assistance Program is a confidential information, assessment and referral service. Information shared with EAP staff will NOT be discussed with ANY other party without the written consent of the employee, unless such information indicates there is imminent danger to either the employee, or another person."