Shipbuilders in the Ring Module Shop (RMS) and Steel Production Facility (SPF) recently participated in a special crew talk focused on benefits offered to Newport News Shipbuilding employees to support a healthy body, mind and wallet.

The event was organized by the Rafted Module Facility (RMF) Safety Task Team lead Shamar Strothers (X42), with support from the RMS and SPF Safety Task Team and leadership. RMF Safety Task Team members have been named ambassadors for the HERO program.

During the event, representatives from QuadMed and the Benefits Office shared information about programs such as HERO: HII Employees Reach Out. HERO offers access to free in-person and virtual counseling to support a variety of needs, from grief and marital counseling to anxiety and stress. Karen Velkey, corporate vice president of Compensation and Benefits, also was on hand and spoke with shipbuilders.

Chris Murrell, RMS and SPF Safety Task Team lead, and co-lead Dannon Perez, said it was important to showcase the resources available to employees and their families, particularly those dealing with mental health. “We wanted to bring awareness to mental health and help take away the stigma,” Murrell said.

X82 Superintendent Lance Ross said he found that most hourly employees in the RMS were not familiar with benefits like HERO before the event. “I think the event was needed just to get the word out there about these benefits that the company offers,” he said. “It was a very important presentation to have.”

Jasmine Mathis (X18) and Sandaezha Williams (X18) attended the event and said they were glad to hear about resources for things like fertility and child and pet care as well as mental health.

“Mentally, it can be hard coming in here,” Mathis said. “It can be intimidating, especially as a female welder. These benefits are needed.”