Asking for help when you need it... Published April 11, 2012 By Public Affairs 944th Fighter Wing LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Ms. Rona Barrett, a TV personality, once said, "The healthy, the strong individual, is the one who asks for help when he needs it. Whether he has an abscess on his knee or in his soul." Today we are living in stressful times and it's not always easy to maintain our resiliency, sometimes we need to ask for help. The Air Force Reserve Command has designed a program to help its Citizen Airman maintain their balance and health. The AFRC Psychological Health Advocacy Program (PHAP) provides mental health resources to all AFRC members and their families, regardless of their deployment status. Their mission is to build a culture of support for psychological health prevention and resiliency which is a part of normal military life. The Yellow Ribbon program provides regional mental health teams who assist Reservists and their families locate resources regardless of income or location and ensures that quality mental health care services are provided to those requesting services. They also provide Wing leadership consultants regarding psychological health concerns. "Our service is free and confidential with the exception of duty to warn, harm to self or others," commented Roselyn Leyva, AFRC psychological Health Advocacy Outreach Specialist - Western Region. "We provide resource and referral services for any type of mental health issues as well as other issues such as child and youth, financial relationships, etc. Our objective is to be proactive and help to alleviate common stresses and strengthen emotional wellness." AFRC PHAP services are free and available 24/7 for Reservists and their families. Services are also confidential (exception of "duty to warn") . "Our case facilitator will perform an initial assessment and provide resources and/or referrals," said Leyva. "She also performs follow-up to ensure the Airmen or family members needs/concerns were met and will provide additional resources if needed." In addition to a case facilitator, the program also has outreach specialists who are responsible for outreach, education, advocacy and training for installation leaders and Yellow Ribbon Program events. They also serve as liaison for Air Reserve Technician's at Reserve Medical Units. Many resources are available by phone or online. Others are located in your community and some services will come to you. PHAP members use federal and private services such as Active Duty and Reserve resources, the Veterans' Administration, Military Family Life Consultants and Military One Source, to address relevant mental health concerns. If you or someone you know needs help or has questions here are our West Regional Contacts: Karen Orcutt, RN Case Facilitator Email: Karen.orcutt.1.ctr@us.af.mil Tel. Office: 707-424-2704 Cell: 484-684-9711 Suzy Phillips Outreach Specialist Email: susan.presechinophillips.2.ctr@us.af.mil Tel. Office: 707-424-8189 Cell: 484-684-9713 Roselyn Leyva Outreach Specialist Tel. Office: 707-424-8896 Cell: 484-684-9712