SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—County Executive Shapiro is proud to announce her office is now designated a Recovery Friendly Workplace through Summit County Public Health’s initiative, Recovery Friendly Workplace Summit County (RFWSC). The program seeks to improve employee and worksite health in Summit County by recognizing recovery from substance use disorder as a strength. With this intentional investment in recovery support, Executive Shapiro is working to reduce stigma that prevents employees, residents, or their loved ones from accessing the help they need.
To earn the designation, county officials attended a training orientation with SCPH officials, sent a letter of commitment to be a Recovery Friendly Workplace to all staff and new hires, and posted community recovery resources in all workplaces. The County had already met some of the requirements, including annual mandatory substance use awareness training for supervisors.
Over 70% of fatal opioid overdoses occur in working-aged adults. One in 12 workers suffer from an untreated substance use disorder. In the US, only 1 in 10 people with a substance use disorder obtain treatment, either because of lack of resources or the stigma of addiction. The annual economic impact of substance misuse is estimated to be $249 billion dollars for alcohol misuse and $193 billion for illicit drug use. By supporting employees in recovery from substance use disorder, employers can save an average of $8,500 per employee per year.
“Recovery is absolutely possible and people struggling with substance use disorder can benefit greatly from a supportive environment as they begin down that path,” said Executive Shapiro. “The Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative helps guide employers toward a more understanding, compassionate approach that is beneficial to all involved. We are very proud of to be part of this initiative and appreciate Public Health offering it to the community.”
This effort comes on the heels of the installation of Naloxboxes throughout county buildings in coordination with Clerk of Courts Tavia Galonski, Engineer Al Brubaker, Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise, Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich, and Sheriff Kandy Fatheree. Similar to first aid kits and AEDs, Naloxboxes are boxes mounted on the wall containing two doses of naloxone, also known by its brand-name Narcan. Naloxone is designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose caused by prescription opioids, heroin or fentanyl.
Employers interested in the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation can visit https://www.scph.org/rfw to learn more about how to participate.
