COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine launched the Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program Friday, announced in a press release from his office.

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced the new Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program Friday

  • The program is meant to “create job opportunities for people in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental health condition, combat stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness in the workplace, and provide a boost to Ohio businesses"

  • A new designation—Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace—is now available to companies that add “recovery friendly practices” into their day-to-day

  • Aimee Shadwick, the director of RecoveryOhio, said a stable job helps those in recovery maintain that recovery through a sense of pride and responsibility

The program is meant to “create job opportunities for people in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental health condition, combat stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness in the workplace, and provide a boost to Ohio businesses,” according to the release.

A new designation—Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace—is now available to companies that add “recovery friendly practices” into their day-to-day.

“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 in the release. “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.”

Aimee Shadwick, the director of RecoveryOhio, said a stable job helps those in recovery maintain that recovery through a sense of pride and responsibility.

“But people currently in recovery are only the tip of the iceberg of who will benefit from this program,” Shadwick said in the release. “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.”

The program is also encouraging businesses to train their leaders on the signs of substance use and help those employees get treatment, provide access to and training for naloxone, offer mental health/wellness education programs and promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

“By supporting those who are struggling, we can create an Ohio where everyone feels comfortable asking for the help they need to reach their full potential,” DeWine said in the release. “At the same time, we also know that companies that invest in recovery-friendly practices see significant economic benefits as well.”

The release cites data from the National Safety Council that claims a company saves an average of around $8,500 for each “employee who recovers from a substance use disorder.”