Initiative Provides Hoosier Employers Tools To Address Addiction In Workforce

The Wellness Council of Indiana this week launched a series of events to help employers address substance abuse and recovery issues in their workforce.

The new initiative aims to teach Indiana employers how to help workers who may struggle with addiction. The effort is a partnership between the state, the Indiana Chamber and the Wellness Council.

Mike Thibideau is director of Indiana Workforce Recovery. He says the free statewide educational series can help employers become part of the solution to Indiana’s addiction crisis.

"But they need to know how,” says Thibideau. “And a lot of times that involves unique conversations specifically tailored to them on issues like legal advice and human resources.”

It may also include, connection to local treatment and recovery options.

Thibideau says employer-based services can also help businesses acquire and retain workers.

“By equipping employers to intervene with people who may have a problem, we’re actually helping those people get help earlier and have better long-term and short-term outcomes,” says Thibideau.

He says about 40 percent of people who enter treatment in Indiana, are employed.

The tour will make stops in Fort Wayne, Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Plainfield, Lafayette, Greenwood and Bloomington.