8.19.22 – 2022 Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP) Conference

Friday, August 19, 2022

2022 Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program Conference

This week, APFA-represented Flight Attendants and APFA Leadership attended the annual Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP) Conference in Linthicum Heights, MD. Approximately twenty-five Flight Attendants representing APFA attended the conference, along with APFA National Officers, EAP, and Base Leadership. National President Julie Hedrick sits on the FADAP Board, alongside Union counterparts at Southwest and United.

All together, twenty-four airlines were well represented. Even Delta management took part. We reiterated APFA’s full support in the Flight Attendant’s campaign to secure representation with AFA-CWA.

Here’s what American Flight Attendants had to say about the program:

“Once again, FADAP hit the mark!  We sharpen our existing tools and familiarize ourselves with new ones. This conference is our yearly affirmation that we (EAP and management) share a common goal: a healthy and emotionally stable workgroup. I’m already anticipating the FADAP Conference 2023!” -Michael, AA Flight Attendant

“FADAP was extremely informative, giving me the knowledge and resources I need to help Flight Attendants in need. This is my fifth year of FADAP learning and growing and sharing!” -Robin, AA Flight Attendant

“Normally I have felt a lot of information at the FADAP conference is “over my head,” geared more to clinicians, physicians, and treatment facilities. This year, all information was 100% related to “peer-to-peer support” and the APFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP), directly helping other Flight Attendants. Amazing, informative, inspiring!” -George, AA Flight Attendant

American Airlines Flight Attendants and APFA Leadership attending the 2022 FADAP Conference

The agenda for the week included sessions about mental health, suicide, depression, addiction, recovery, and the personal and career challenges Flight Attendants face when choosing sobriety. Flight Attendants from several airlines, including American, shared their heart-wrenching stories during the “My Flight Into Recovery” panel, an opportunity for recovering Flight Attendants to share their stories, struggles, and personal journies in recovery. We are grateful that they were able to share their stories. The success stories underscore the importance of this program and airline Employee Assistance Programs and how they help thousands of Flight Attendants stay connected to their careers and family.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh spoke about his journey to recovery, and representatives from Horizon, JetBlue, and SkyWest spoke on the importance of partnership and support for one another across the industry. Thursday’s session included discussions on methamphetamine, and maintaining resilience to fight the strong roots of addiction and mental health issues.

APFA National President Julie Hedrick, Marty Walsh, US Secretary of Labor, APFA National Secretary Josh Black

Special thanks to American Airlines BOS-based Flight Attendant Deb McCormick, LCDP, CEAP, FADAP Coordinator, and Heather Healy, LCSW-C, CEAP, FADAP Manager, for fostering an industry-wide, inclusive environment. We all have one goal across airlines: to offer as many resources as possible for Flight Attendants who need help and for those who have already begun their journey in recovery.

Visit the FADAP website to learn more about services offered, mental health resources, recovery resources, and substance abuse information and education. APFA Leadership is committed to offering as many resources as possible to Flight Attendants who may be struggling. Our Employee Assistance Program Representatives work around the clock to provide care for those in need. We look forward to supplementing that care and supporting our representatives with the resources provided by the industry-wide FADAP program. As we move forward, we will work together to ensure our membership has access to an unlimited amount of resources to help with substance abuse, recovery, and a successful return to work.