In recognition of National Recovery Month, NDASA Executive Director Jo McGuire was among a select group of business, union and association leaders invited to the White House by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), for a discussion on recovery-friendly workplace policies nationwide on September 18.
NDASA was honored to be selected as a member of the 12-member Employer Council leading efforts to support the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative.
In 2023, more than 30 million Americans with substance use disorder were employed, and of these individuals, nearly 80 percent worked full-time. Recovery-ready workplace policies encourage a healthy and safe environment where employers, employees, and communities can collaborate to create positive change, eliminate barriers for those impacted by substance use disorder, reduce stigmatization of people with substance use disorder and mental illness, and promote treatment and recovery services.
This week’s visit to the White House was an exciting and inspirational opportunity for NDASA to continue its leadership role in supporting policies that are central to the association’s mission of advocating “for safe and drug-free workplaces and communities.”
“The workplace policy defines the workplace culture,” McGuire said during her concluding remarks at the event. “To change a culture, we must change our mindset. To influence mindset, we need voices of courage who will do the right thing and I’m grateful today to share our commitment to Recovery Friendly Workplaces with so many courageous people.”
From left: ONDCP Director Dr. Rahul Gupta, NDASA Executive Director Jo McGuire and ONDCP Senior Policy Analyst Peter Gaumond in front of the White House.
At Wednesday’s meeting, senior Biden-Harris Administration officials were also joined by leaders from three state government initiatives working to promote the adoption of recovery-ready workplace policies in their state as well as employers and associations from diverse industries (including construction, automobile, computer tech, and manufacturing) representing more than 1 million Americans. The group discussed the benefits of developing recovery-ready workplace policies, the impact of the policies within their organizations, and their recommendations for other employers.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that every American has the resources they need to recover and thrive,” said White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Dr. Rahul Gupta. “With tens of millions of Americans in recovery from substance use disorder, we know that employers play a critical role in supporting the recovery journey. We are grateful to the business leaders joining us at the White House today to highlight the critical work they’re doing in their communities to both support individuals in recovery and strengthen their organization. We call on all employers to join our whole-of-society efforts to be a more recovery-ready nation.”
National Recovery Month is celebrated every September to recognize the more than 21 million Americans in recovery from substance use disorder, celebrate their contributions, honor the loved ones who have supported them on their recovery journeys, and reaffirm our commitment to making sure every American has the resources they need to recover and thrive.