(The Center Square) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wants workplaces across the state to be more friendly. And he hopes that will save businesses money in the long run.
The Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program recently launched with the idea of creating job opportunities for people in recovery from substance abuse or mental health conditions. It also aims to combat the stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness in the workplace.
Companies that implement recovery-friendly practices can receive an official designation as an Ohio Friendly Recovery Workplace.
“The new Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program has the power to transform lives by offering meaningful work for people looking to get back on their feet and by providing additional support systems for current employees,” DeWine said. “I’m calling on all Ohio businesses to implement recovery-friendly practices and earn this designation today. Together, we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction, while making our people, our economy, and our communities all stronger.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the majority of adults with an addiction are employed.
In Ohio, the most recent data shows 19.2% of Ohio adults – over 1.7 million people – reported having a substance use disorder. In the same timeframe, 9.2% of Ohio adults – over 469,000 people – said they had experienced serious thoughts of suicide.
The program encourages businesses to provide support systems to help employees feel comfortable asking for help to deal with addiction or mental health issues by:
• Training leaders to identify signs of substance use and encouraging them to help employees seek treatment.
• Offering access to life-saving naloxone and training staff on how to use it in an emergency.
• Providing mental health and wellness education programs for employees.
• Promoting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to employees.
“We know that, for people in recovery, having a stable job brings a sense of pride and responsibility that often helps them maintain their recovery,” RecoveryOhio Director Aimee Shadwick said. “But people currently in recovery are only the tip of the iceberg of who will benefit from this program. To achieve Governor DeWine’s vision for a brighter future for all Ohioans, it’s also important that we support the great number of current employees who are struggling with addiction or mental illness in silence.”
Research from the National Safety Council shows that every employee who recovers from substance abuse saves their company an average of more than $8,500.