Media Backgrounder

What is EASNA?

EASNA is an association focused on advancing knowledge, research, and best practices toward achieving healthy and productive workplaces. Comprised of thought leaders and change agents, EASNA is focused on ensuring that the EA field continues to grow and flourish by broadening its base of engaged and committed stakeholders.

When Was EANA Founded?

EASNA was founded in 1985 with an original charter to develop standards of excellence for providers of Employee Assistance Programs. In 2001, the successfully developed accreditation function was divested to the Council on Accreditation and while EASNA continues to actively support accreditation, its new charter has a broader focus on encompassing a diverse community of professionals who are all interested in healthy and productive workplaces.

Who Belongs to EASNA?

The diverse membership includes the following categories of individuals and organizations: EAP providers,

• employee assistance and work/life professionals
• behavioral health and addiction treatment practitioners
• human resource and benefits professionals

Members come from Canada and the United States, working in both the private and public sectors.

What Events Does EASNA Sponsor?

Every spring EASNA hosts its annual conference, the Institute. The three-day event typically includes the following educational sessions:

• one full day Pre-Institute professional development session
• four plenary (general) sessions
• 16 peer presentation workshops

Members also can choose from among more than 200 online classes offered from the Online Training Institute. The courses allow member to earn Continuing Education Units and Professional Development Hours online.

What Is EAP Accreditation?

EASNA members are eligible for a discount on accreditation fees for the industry’s only organizational accreditation which is managed by the Council on Accreditation (COA). (Not very succinct on my part….trying to clarify that membership provides discount on fees as opposed to being eligible to apply). Accreditation is a unique distinction among EAPs and attests that the organization has met the highest possible international standards for quality management and service delivery.

COA accreditation has many benefits for EAPs, its customer organizations, end users, and the field. Chief among them is its impact on improving consumer confidence and demonstrating that the EAP has met the standards of the field, particularly those related to the employee such as confidentiality and privacy, legal compliance, safety and security, and quality of service delivery. Additionally, accreditation ensures that an EAP is utilizing sound financial management to provide the most cost-effective and efficient service to customer organizations.