PLOVER, Wis. — Women in Trucking Association (WIT), a nonprofit organization that promotes the employment and recognition of women in the trucking industry, and Espyr, a provider of customized behavioral health solutions, have teamed up to support the health of professional drivers. The partnership will provide truck drivers who are members of WIT with 90 days of free access to Espyr’s Fit to Pass coaching program and iResolve, Espyr’s CDL driver-support hotline.
Even in normal times, truck driving can be taxing on driver’s physical and mental health. Add the impacts of COVID-19 — including fear of contagion, closed restaurants, and limited availability of restrooms and showers — and the toll on drivers’ health can be substantial.
Espyr’s Fit to Pass is a customized coaching program designed to improve the health of professional drivers and help them meet the physical requirements of the DOT recertification exam. iResolve is a tele-mental health solution that provides immediate support for drivers’ mental health and work-life related issues. Drivers and their family members can speak with an Espyr mental health professional without an appointment — and without waiting.
“We are so pleased to be able to provide this much needed support to our driver members,” said Ellen Voie, President and CEO of WIT. “Professional drivers are among the many unsung heroes helping us to live through these difficult times and we’re very grateful to Amazon for providing the funding for these programs.”
Espyr CEO Rick Taweel added, “Thank you, WIT and Amazon, for helping us support professional driver health. While COVID-19 has created a mental health strain for everyone, the impact on professional drivers is especially significant because we all rely on them for the essentials of everyday life.”
Espyr’s professional driver health services will be provided to all current WIT members who are drivers thanks to the generosity of Amazon.
“Our concern is for the nation’s drivers who have to cope with the added challenges brought on by COVID-19 on a daily basis and need the support these programs can provide,” said Chris Heine, Amazon’s director of transportation and WIT board member. “Drivers have always kept America moving. Now, more than ever, we need to care for them like they care for the products they haul.”
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
