New psychological readiness Airmen visit 931st

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Connor Burkhard
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  With so much focus on being physically mission-ready, psychological readiness can sometimes fall through the cracks for Reservists.

That is why Capt. Jose Jasso, mental health officer, and Tech. Sgt. Timothy Ogier, mental health technician, visited the 931st Air Refueling Group during its April drill weekend. They were here to get the word out about psychological health advocates, a new program for Reservists.

"PHA is an extension of the Director of Psychological Health, Dr. William Martin," said Captain Jasso. "We (exist) to make sure the mental health needs of the Reservist get the attention they need."

PHAs are responsible for consulting leadership on maintaining psychological health, consulting active-duty medical treatment facility personnel on managing Reservists with mental health conditions, and also serve as case managers for Reservists needing mental health care.

"We talk with commanders, first shirts and leadership about mental health. We try to talk to as many people as possible," said Captain Jasso. "Our goal is to maintain the psychological health of every Reservist."

PHAs are not responsible for treating Reservists for mental health conditions. Instead, they focus on helping Reservists find the care they need for themselves, their families or their co-workers.

"We take your hand and walk you through the process," said Sergeant Ogier. "There are resources out there to help you."

The PHA program is so new, Captain Jasso and Sergeant Ogier do not yet have a permanent office or phone number yet at the program's headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. However, Reservists are free to e-mail them any time with any issues or concerns.

"If you know of someone who needs our help or if you need help yourself, please look us up on the global and e-mail us," said Captain Jasso.