Several years ago, Special Districts Insurance Services (SDIS) recognized the importance of first responders’ mental health and overall wellbeing and began offering the Public Safety EAP at no cost to all career firefighters in Oregon, as well as to first responders covered under our workers’ compensation program.

Since that time, SDIS has stopped providing workers’ compensation coverage. While the Public Safety EAP saw strong participation in its early years, utilization has steadily declined. Many employees are now accessing mental health services through their medical plans instead. Based on these trends, SDIS has decided to transition to a new EAP provider and align EAP coverage directly with the SDIS and OFCA medical plans.

WHAT’S CHANGING

Beginning July 1, 2026:

All employees enrolled in the SDIS or OFCA health program will be automatically enrolled in the Canopy EAP.

First responders enrolled in the SDIS or OFCA health program will have access to the Public Safety Canopy EAP, which is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of first responders.

EXPANDED COVERAGE FOR VOLUNTEERS We are pleased to share that SDIS will cover volunteers for fire and emergency service districts at no cost. If your district participates in the SDIS or OFCA medical plan, your volunteers will also be eligible for the Canopy EAP.

WHY THIS MATTERS This change streamlines our benefit offerings and strengthens the value of the SDIS and OFCA medical programs. Many SDIS‑covered districts are already using Canopy, and this transition ensures consistent, accessible support.

IF YOU ARE NOT ENROLLED IN THE SDIS OR OFCA MEDICAL PLANS

Districts not enrolled in the SDIS or OFCA medical plan will not be automatically enrolled in the Canopy EAP. However, support options may still be available.

If your district is not on the SDIS or OFCA medical plan, you may:

• Connect with Public Safety EAP or Canopy EAP directly to request a quote: Public Safety EAP: Jayme Robbins, jaymerobbins@theeap.com
• Canopy EAP: Shannon Morrison, smorrison@canopywell.com

Work with another EAP provider of your choice to secure coverage that best meets your needs.

These options allow districts to maintain access to important mental health and wellbeing resources for employees and first responders.

NEXT STEPS

You may continue utilizing services through the Public Safety EAP until June 30, 2026. Beginning July 1, 2026, Public Safety EAP benefits will no longer be accessible under the SDIS plan. If your district would like to continue with Public Safety EAP and is not a part of the SDIS or OFCA medical plans, please contact Jayme Robbins ( jaymerobbins@theeap.com) for assistance with setting up an account with them.

AFTER JULY 1ST, PLEASE BE SURE TO:

Update EAP flyers and posters at fire stations and other locations where employees typically access benefit information.

Remove outdated materials to avoid confusion.

More information and updated resources will be shared as we approach the July 1, 2026 transition date. If you have any questions, please contact Shelly Barker at sbarker@sdao.com.