Dear AFSPA Member,
As we step into May, we are reminded that achieving better health starts with having the right tools, resources, and support systems in place. This year, our theme, Better Tools: Better Health, reflects our ongoing commitment to providing you and your family with meaningful solutions that support your well-being at every stage of life.
This month, we highlight mental health awareness, introduce new opportunities to strengthen your financial security, and invite you to take part in a new engagement series from the Senior Living Foundation (SLF) created to help guide you through life’s important transitions.
Introducing SLF’s Next Chapter Conversations: A Quarterly Compass
As part of our commitment to providing better tools for better health, I am excited to invite AFSPA members to participate in SLF’s Next Chapter Conversations: A Quarterly Compass.
This new series offers expert-led discussions, curated resources, and practical guidance designed to support you through key life moments. Each quarter will focus on a meaningful topic, helping you make informed decisions with confidence. Our Q2 theme, Healthy Aging, centers on maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being as we grow older. In the coming weeks, we’ll share insightful content, including a featured book and a special guest conversation designed to inspire and empower you.
As an AFSPA member, you are welcome to join these conversations because every chapter of life deserves thoughtful support and meaningful connection.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to pause, reflect, and prioritize your emotional well-being. Mental health is an essential part of overall health, and having access to the right tools and support can make all the difference.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental health condition, including anxiety, depression, and other behavioral or emotional challenges. Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) members have access to valuable mental health resources, including coverage for telehealth services, allowing you to connect with licensed professionals from the comfort of your home. In 2025, FSBP members engaged in over 116,000 mental health telehealth visits – approximately one for every covered member. I encourage you to review the 2026 FSBP Plan Brochure for full details of your coverage.
In times of crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 via call, text, or chat, providing immediate, confidential support for individuals in distress or those concerned about a loved one.
New Long-Term Disability Insurance Now Available
Financial protection is another essential tool in maintaining overall well-being. Beginning May 1, AFSPA members can enroll for Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance with guaranteed acceptance and no medical exams required during this special open enrollment period, which runs through June 30.
LTD insurance helps protect your income if you are unable to work due to a covered illness or injury—offering stability and peace of mind when it matters most.
Key features include:
Flexible plan options allow you to choose benefit durations of 2 or 5 years, ensuring you have the right level of protection for your needs. Enroll at afspa.org/disability.
Stay Connected
Providing you with better tools also means keeping you informed and connected. I encourage you to take advantage of all AFSPA resources, including blogs and podcasts, webinars, social media, and newsletters, designed to help you maximize your benefits and make informed decisions about your health.
As we observe Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We also celebrate Mother’s Day, recognizing the strength, care, and dedication of mothers and mother figures everywhere.
Thank you for your continued trust and for allowing us to support you and your family.
To Better Health,
Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC
CEO, AFSPA
