Greetings, AFSPA Members, 

As we enter the season of Spring, a time of new beginnings and contemplation, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our community of more than 100,000 members every day. Your trust in AFSPA and our programs is appreciated, and we will continue to strive to provide the highest level of service and support to meet your needs. Thank you for choosing AFSPA and allowing us to be a part of your journey. 

2024 Annual Member Meeting Recap  

Thank you to all our members who attended the Annual Member Meeting on March 1st. We were delighted to have over 365 members participate in this year’s meeting, both in-person and online. It was a pleasure to have you with us, and we enjoyed seeing and meeting some of you in person. We received great feedback from the event and are looking forward to seeing even more of you at next year’s meeting. In case you missed the meeting, you can view the recording here. 

Stress Awareness Month 

April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time when we acknowledge the negative effects of stress on our well-being. It is crucial to understand and manage stress, as doing so can improve both our physical and mental health and reduce the risk of health problems. Being aware of the signs of stress and anxiety and seeking help when necessary is important. Mental Health America (MHA) has provided helpful tips for reducing stress levels using their Stress Screener tool. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers stress management strategies to explore. Take time to prioritize your well-being by taking proactive measures to manage stress and promote a more positive outlook on life. Members enrolled in the Foreign Service Benefit Plan can explore health programs that aim to help with stress management, anxiety, and more. These programs are included in your benefits plan and are available at no additional cost to you. 

Laughter is the Best Medicine 

April is also National Humor Month, which celebrates the use of humor as a tool to uplift people’s spirits. This idea is supported by scientific research, which has shown that laughter has curative power and can relieve stress and burnout. In fact, humor may be one of the most incredible medical discoveries of our time. Studies have proven that laughter is valuable for both our emotional and physical health. It helps to relax the body, relieving physical tension and stress, and can keep muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes. In light of this, I encourage you to take some time to share a good laugh with your family, friends, and coworkers. 

Finally, please continue to connect with us to learn more about how you can maximize your benefits and coverage through our blogs, podcasts, social media platforms, and our free educational webinars. Our podcast episodes and live Q&A broadcast in April will focus on retirement, so stay tuned! Look out for the newest edition of our AFSPA In Action spring newsletter coming soon ! You can also read past issues of our newsletters on our website. 

Thank you for your continued trust and for allowing us to serve you and your family. 

To Choosing Your Health, 

Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC

AFSPA, CEO