New Hampshire Launches Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative

Concord, Maine - Today, following up on his announcement in the 2018 State of the State Address, Governor Chris Sununu has officially launched New Hampshire's "Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative." Lead by Governor Chris Sununu, the "Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative" promotes individual wellness for Granite Staters by empowering workplaces to provide support for people recovering from substance use disorder.

"This initiative will help businesses attain greater safety, productivity, and profitability by addressing addiction 'head on' in the workplace," said Governor Chris Sununu. "Recovery Friendly Workplaces are an opportunity for New Hampshire to help change the culture around addiction by engaging employers in being a proactive part of the conversation by providing tools, resources, and opening up access to treatment. Government cannot guarantee much, but it can and should guarantee freedom of opportunity. The opportunities to live, work, and raise a family. The opportunity to find meaningful employment on the pathway to recovery."

The Recovery Friendly Workplace website will serve as the landing page for all interested businesses to learn more and apply. Starting today, interested organizations will be able take their first step in the process to become designated Recovery Friendly Workplace by submitting a letter of intent. After consultation with a representative from Recovery Friendly Workplace, applications can be submitted then will be reviewed by the Governor's Recovery Friendly Workplace Advisory Committee. The committee is comprised of state officials and private-sector stakeholders:

Commissioner Taylor Caswell, Department of Business & Economic Affairs
Andy Crews, AutoFair
Amanda Osmer, Grappone Automotive
Kerri Lowe, SMPC Lakes Region
Chris Placy, Principal for Substance Free Workplace
Dr. Cheryl Wilkie, The Farnum Center
Sara Willingham, State of NH Department of Administration

Early adopters of the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative have been selected as part of a pilot program to kick-start the initiative by adopting the Recovery Friendly Workplace framework for a trial-period. Among them:

• The State of New Hampshire
• Walmart
• AutoFair
• Turbocam
• Granite United Way
• Grappone Automotive Group
• Hypertherm
• The Lawson Group
• New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association
• W.S. Badger Company, Inc.
• The Chameleon Group
• Substance Free Workplace
• Bonfire Recovery Services

With the right training and resources, workplaces can prevent substance misuse and support their employees' recovery. Trained Recovery Friendly Workplaces will:

• Demonstrate a commitment to creating a recovery friendly environment.
• Promote a culture that reduces the stereotypes associated with substance use disorder.
• Enhance workplace safety while improving productivity and profitability by addressing behavioral health issues "head-on."

Recovery Friendly Workplaces support the recovery community by recognizing recovery from substance use disorder is a strength and by being willing to hire and work intentionally with people in recovery. Recovery Friendly Workplaces encourage an environment where employers, employees, and communities can collaborate to create positive change and eliminate barriers for those impacted by addiction.

The Recovery Friendly Workplace symbol logo was designed and donated by Montagne Communications of Manchester. The logo is colored purple because amethyst has long been associated with addiction recovery. This design combines the desire of survivors to move forward and the idea that 'together' we have a greater chance of recovering from addiction. The symbol also alludes to the ribbon of a worthy cause, the shape of a shelter, and the approachable rounded corners of a caring heart. Once certified, participating workplaces can display this symbol proudly.