getting help

Your union is here to help support you. SHARE Reps and Staff Organizers consult with members daily about many different questions and concerns. You should always feel welcome to call or email the SHARE office for help. The SHARE website also provides information about the Problem-Solving Process and Representation in Disciplinary Meetings.

when times are tough

In a healthcare union of 3000 people, members and their friends can face almost every kind of challenge. But we don’t all face the same challenges at the same time, and we’re here to support each other.

For the most up-to-date and exhaustive collection of resources, you can search SHARE blog posts tagged #Gettinghelp. Some of the most useful and commonly-requested resources include:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

• The Employee Assistance Program is the hospital’s free and confidential service to provide emotional and other supports for members of the UMass Memorial community. To provide this service, UMass Memorial has contracted with Optum – they are a national company, serving employers all over, and have local counselors available. 

  Online: www.LiveandWorkWell.com, Company Code: umassmemorial 

  Mobile device: Visit the above website for instructions on downloading the app.  

  EAP by telephone: 866-263-3525 

  According to UMass Memorial, in addition to emotional counseling, you can contact the Optum EAP for assistance in finding legal and financial support or resources and information to help you care for a child or adult dependent. They can also help with parenting advice or assist with getting you a discount on your night on the town to unwind. Unlimited access to online information, articles and other tools through the Optum Live and Work Well website or app.

• The EASE Fund, available through the Employee Assistance Program, provides emergency financial assistance to SHARE members and other UMass Memorial employees. Financial awards are based on available monies in the fund, and is subject to certain stipulations.

• Unionplus.org provides a variety of services and perks to union members, including legal help, mortgage assistance, a medical bill negotiating assistance, free college degree programs, and more.

• CommunityHELP, developed in partnership with UMass Memorial, provides a searchable database of food delivery, job training, and other services centered in Central Massachusetts.

• Helpsteps also connects individuals to local health and human resources to alleviate disparities in health and social well-being in Massachusetts communities. Although the program was developed to provide resources to the greater Boston area, it has expanded to provide links to services throughout the state through Mass 211, including financial assistance, legal aid, food, mental health, addiction, education, elder care, and more.

• Leaves of Absence are handled through AbsenceOne in conjunction with the hospital’s Leave of Absence office. See this guide to applying for a leave.