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contribution photo JBS offers free mental health counseling to its employees, during working hours, one day a week.
Paul Daniel, the executive director of Center Associates, wants people to know that there is a beacon of light in the midst of dark times.
Mental Illness Awareness Week is observed around the world, with World Mental Health Day on Sunday an important reminder to be aware of these often hidden issues.
“Hope is not canceled” Daniel said. “Hope is much bigger than our problems.
Hope is having the strength to generate a new belief that anything is possible. Regaining hope offers a new beginning, a recovery or a second chance.
Part of raising awareness is breaking down the stigma around seeking help and mental health issues. JBS Marshalltown recently joined the fight to break the stigma.
“As a socially responsible employer and leader in this community, we wanted to be one of the first to say, ‘Hey let’s get rid of this. “Let’s stop the stigma, and let’s really talk about it” “ said Patrick Brue, director of human resources at JBS Marshalltown.
Over the past month, in partnership with Center Associates, JBS Marshalltown has offered employees free on-site appointments with mental health professionals. This is the first JBS factory to provide free consulting services, and the practice is currently being explored at some of the company’s other facilities.
“For our employees, behavioral health is essential”, said Brue. “Sometimes they need help. We are a busy business. We work on a daily basis and want to make sure that people have the opportunity to see a behavioral health professional when they need it by appointment. I think this is something really positive for our employees, not just in terms of work, but also in their personal lives.
Currently, appointments are offered one day per week and employees schedule appointments during working hours.
So far, according to Brue, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. He believes that providing mental health services to employees will enhance their well-being and strengthen the community.
Daniel has also held several sessions with the JBS Marshalltown management team on mental health needs, and he believes the company recognizes the importance of the issue.
“It must be a whole business process” Daniel said. “It can’t just be two or three people saying, ‘Hey, your sanity is good,’ and there’s no bite. So they really put some bite behind it and said, “Hey, we believe in it. We are going to help our community and we are going to help our employees.
Daniel stressed the importance of keeping an eye out for mental health symptoms and not waiting until you hit rock bottom before seeking help.
“I think people in general are very resistant. They are able to handle it, but what is that threshold? When you can’t do it anymore, are you ready to put your pride aside and say, “Hey, I need someone to talk to, or I need a different point of view at this? topic ? “” Daniel asked.
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Contact Trevor Babcock at 641-753-6611 or [email protected].
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