Connecting helpers to those who need help Published June 11, 2024 By Christopher Decker 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Asking for help may be a sign of strength, not weakness, but sometimes it can be difficult to find the help that is needed. That’s where the new Wright-Patt Connect program steps in. It provides a single avenue of not just access, but direction to those resources. WP-Connect provides resource connection and care navigation for service members and their families at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. (Contributed graphic) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “So what we're doing is warm handing them to that resource,” explains Noelle Diller, the WP-Connect Coordinator. "They can call the call line and get help with any resource. They can call and say hey, I need financial help. I need help with childcare. I need help with legal fees. I need help with trash service. We're going to be able to help them find the resources in and around their communities.” As a military spouse and first responder, Diller is passionate about finding help for those in need. The new pilot program she coordinates was formed after a Department of Defense survey concerning mental health found many patients experienced six week delays for acquiring a non-emergency care appointment. WP-Connect bridges that gap in service. "We'll be getting them the resource that they need and then we will follow up. Some of these resources will be weeks long and so the care navigators will open up a case if necessary and follow them through the case until it's able to be closed.” WP-Connect opens the path to more than just mental health resources. From finding food pantries to identifying home utility companies, lining up healthcare providers to just having calm guidance in a stressful moment, Wright-Patt Connect exists to help those who have served. “It's meant for active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and our guardians; however, I think we all are very well aware that much of the Team Wright Patt workforce are veterans, right,” said Diller. “I know what's here on this base and no one goes unnoticed, and no one goes unhelped.” Hotline users can also take comfort knowing the person on the other end of the phone is a veteran and the call is completely confidential unless a life is on the line. To access the helping service of WP-Connect online at www.military-connect.org/wp-connect or call 844-927-6663.