Dear AFSPA Member,

In this message, you will find a recap of our Annual Member Meeting, resources to support mental health during uncertain times, and new initiatives, such as the Senior Living Foundation’s Next Chapter Conversations series. Together, these efforts reflect our focus on providing better tools and resources to support your health, well-being, and peace of mind.

2026 Annual Member Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for AFSPA’s Annual Member Meeting on March 6, 2026. This annual event is a valuable opportunity to share updates on our services and programs, highlight new FSBP, FEHB, and Medicare initiatives, and connect directly with you.

I appreciated the chance to walk through our 2026 benefit updates and hear your feedback, especially regarding the EncircleRx program. We’ve taken steps to address early challenges and improve your experience moving forward. We were also pleased to welcome keynote speaker Claire Morrow, DPT, of Hinge Health, who shared insights on the role of AI in health care. Thank you to the more than 200 members who joined virtually and in person. Your engagement and feedback continue to help us improve future events. If you were unable to attend, you can view a recording of the meeting here.

Prioritizing Mental Health in Uncertain Times

April is National Stress Awareness Month, a reminder to prioritize mental health, especially amid ongoing global conflicts and uncertainty that can weigh heavily on many in our community. We recognize that world events can feel personal, particularly for those serving overseas or with loved ones in affected regions. We are committed to supporting FSBP members during these times through resources designed to help manage stress and build resilience. I encourage you to explore our mental health and wellness programs, which offer tools, guidance, and support, and to visit our blog for helpful tips on managing stress.

Introducing Next Chapter Conversations: A Quarterly Compass

I’d also like to highlight an important initiative from the Senior Living Foundation of the American Foreign Service, a charitable organization sponsored by AFSPA. For more than two decades, the Foundation has hosted its biennial Planning for Change (PFC) event, focused on eldercare and lifestyle planning. Beginning this year, this event will transition to a new virtual series, Next Chapter Conversations: A Quarterly Compass, designed to better meet the evolving needs of our senior community and families supporting loved ones. The new format will feature quarterly guest speakers on topics such as healthy aging, caregiving, AI technology for seniors, and lifestyle planning, along with a quarterly book club and curated resources to support ongoing learning. These programs will be open to all, retired and active, Foreign Service and beyond. I hope you will take advantage of this valuable program and participate in upcoming sessions. More details will be shared soon.

As we continue our focus on Better Tools: Better Health, I encourage you to stay connected and make the most of the resources available to you. From our blogs and free educational webinars to our regular AFSPA Talks podcast and social media platforms, we are committed to providing tools that help you better understand and maximize your benefits and coverage. I’m also proud to share that we’ve reached a major milestone, our 100th AFSPA Talks episode, made possible by our incredible members, guests, and listeners. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your engagement, feedback, and support continue to shape every episode we produce. Lastly, look out for the newest edition of our AFSPA In Action Spring newsletter coming soon to your mailbox. You can explore past issues of our newsletters anytime on our website.

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

To Better Health, 

Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC
CEO, AFSPA