Local 4 logo

LOCAL 4 BENEFIT FUNDS

Wellbeing Hub

Wellbeing Hub2025-01-03T10:16:57-05:00

Welcome to the Local 4 Funds Office Wellbeing Hub.
We’re glad you’re here!

“What mental health needs are more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”

— Glenn Close

Karen Larsen

Social Worker and Care Coordinator

Happy New Year! Whether you made new year’s resolutions or not, January can be a good time to think about your goals and hopes for the coming year. I’ll share my hope for the coming year…to reduce the stigma around seeking mental health treatment. What is mental health stigma? It is the negative beliefs that people hold about what it means to have a mental health disorder, and what it means to seek treatment for it. Stigma can cause people to feel shame for something that is out of their control. Stigma can result in people avoiding treatment because they are afraid of what others may think or they may think negatively about themselves.
It’s estimated that one in five Americans experience mental health issues each year. Mental health issues can result from many factors, including physical health, trauma, brain chemistry, injury, and abuse. Almost half of Americans don’t seek the help that they need when they are experiencing mental health issues. It’s okay not to be okay, but seek help when you need it. Your mental health is part of your overall health and Local 4 has resources to help you address your mental health needs.

Our employee assistance program, Lyra Health, offers educational articles, coaching and therapy. Local 4 members and dependents covered under the Health and Welfare Plan are eligible for 8 free sessions of coaching and therapy per plan year at no cost – after that a $15 copayment applies. Contact Lyra at 844-926-2482 or click on Lyra Health. You can also obtain mental health services through Blue Cross Blue Shield in-network providers with a $15 copayment. To find a therapist, login at the Blue Cross Blue Shield site at MyBlue Healthcare Insurance Plan | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) or contact Blue Cross Blue Shield at 888-389-7764 Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:30. This flyer provides information if you have concerns about alcohol or drug use: Substance Use Factsheet. Please see more information on Lyra Health in our featured partner section below.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are thinking about suicide or if you have a friend, family member or coworker who are you are concerned about, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.

If you have questions about Lyra or other mental health options, please contact me at 508-533-1400 x127 or [email protected].

This Month’s Featured Partner

Lyra Health

As we kick off the new year, it’s the perfect time to prioritize your well-being. We’re excited to share resources from Lyra Health, your confidential mental health benefit, that explain how Lyra works and offer helpful tips to set you up for a positive year ahead.
Whether you’re working toward new goals or maintaining your well-being, Lyra has tools to support you every step of the way. In addition to coaching and therapy, there are self-guided articles and videos within the Lyra platform to help you get better sleep, debunk common mental health myths, and improve your relationships, among other topics. Below are links to some of these resources. *Log in or sign up for a Lyra account to read these articles.

Wellness Updates

What Is Dry January?

Dry January is dedicated to staying abstinent from alcohol for the entire month. Why consider Dry January? If you are looking to improve your health, cut back on alcohol after the holiday season, or assess your relationship with alcohol, this may be for you.

According to the World Health Organization, there is no risk-free level of alcohol consumption. The health benefits from not drinking include getting better sleep, clearer skin, consuming fewer calories, saving money, and having more energy.

Participating in Dry January requires some preparation. Let friends and family know that you are abstaining from alcohol so that they can have non-alcoholic beverages available for you. Plan some alcohol-free activities. Remove alcohol from the house if it is a temptation. Avoid hanging out in bars and other places where there is a lot of alcohol consumption. Think about pairing up with a friend or relative to support each other.

If you drink daily or have many drinks over a weekend, if you suspect that you have a drinking problem or if you have cravings for alcohol, speak with a physician before starting Dry January. Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. If you find yourself experiencing nausea, vomiting, headaches, agitation, palpitations, sweating, shakiness, anxiety, hallucinations, tremors, or dizziness, call your physician.

Thinking about alcohol a lot? Unsure how to cope without alcohol? If you find that Dry January is hard for you, consider using one of the resources above, such as Lyra or a Blue Cross Blue Shield in-network provider to discuss your relationship with alcohol. Alcoholics Anonymous is a free peer led group, and their resources can be found at Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous.

Don’t want to do a completely Dry January? Think about cutting back on your alcohol consumption and see what the benefits may be.

For more information, see:

Tips from Lyra

Lyra Substance Use and Complex Care

Check out this article from Lyra about reflecting on the past year: Year End Reflections

For many, the new year is an opportunity to reevaluate certain elements of your life, such as substance and alcohol use. Lyra is here to help with fully confidential care; Local 4 Funds will not know you’re using Lyra, or what treatment you’re receiving.
Lyra can provide members with confidential access to alcohol, substance, and mental health recovery programs that provide high-quality care to help improve you or your eligible dependents’ relationship with substances. You can use your 8 free sessions each plan year to access one of Lyra’s 4,000 substance-focused providers. Now is a great time to try the benefit since you’ll get a fresh bank of 8 sessions on March 1st.
For individuals who aren’t sure what level of care is the right fit for them, you can work with a Complex Care Specialist at local4funds.lyrahealth.com/secure/index/complex-care for support, whether that care is through Lyra directly, or one of their treatment facility partners. Once the right treatment options are identified, Lyra facilitates the member into getting admitted and starting treatment by supporting them every step of the way – including care coordination, checking availability, educating the family on what to expect and how best to support the person in need, and understanding how to navigate their health plan benefits. The navigation service is at no cost to plan participants.
To get started with Lyra, register at Lyra Health, and call (844) 926-2482 any time for help.

Privacy Policy | HIPAA Privacy Policy

2024 Form 1095-B

In accordance with guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, the IUOE Local 4 Health & Welfare Fund will not be distributing Form 1095-B to individuals documenting coverage for the tax year 2024. You will continue to receive a Form 1099-HC from Blue Cross Blue Shield.  Individuals who wish to receive a copy of their 1095-B may send a request to [email protected] or to the following address:
 
IUOE Local 4 Funds
Re: Form 1095-B Inquiry
P.O. Box 680
Medway, MA 02053-0680