Ruth Bowdish

Ruth Bowdish

Company Name: On Demand Occupational Medicine

Why are you interested in this organization? I am deeply committed to advancing workplace safety and ensuring that employers have the resources and education they need to maintain safe environments for their teams. NDASA plays a pivotal role in this mission by serving as a strong voice for the drug and alcohol testing industry. The organization’s dedication to providing accurate information and practical education not only helps protect employers' rights to safe workplaces but also underscores the critical importance of fostering environments where safety and well-being are prioritized. What truly resonates with me about NDASA is its leadership. Comprised of individuals who actively work within the industry, they possess firsthand knowledge of the challenges we face. This insider perspective ensures that the organization remains grounded in the realities of our field while pushing for meaningful progress. Being part of a community that understands and advocates for the industry's unique needs inspires me to contribute my expertise and join NDASA’s efforts in shaping a safer future for all workplaces.

Relevant experience: With more than 15 years of experience in the drug and alcohol testing industry, I have cultivated a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities employers face in maintaining safe workplaces. Starting as a collector, I dedicated myself to learning Part 40 regulations and the history of drug testing, which fueled my passion for promoting workplace safety and compliance. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my expertise as a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC), and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). These roles have allowed me to work closely with employers, offering practical solutions that balance regulatory compliance with compassion for employees. My work has also been recognized at the state level, including being named a subject matter expert by the State of Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) and serving as the State of Ohio Affiliate for the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. These opportunities have reinforced my commitment to educating organizations on best practices and advancing safety standards in our field.I believe my experience in creating training programs, consulting on workplace policies, and collaborating with employers to implement safety measures aligns with NDASA’s mission. My approach is rooted in a genuine desire to make workplaces safer and healthier for everyone involved, and I look forward to bringing that perspective to the board. 

Please describe industry-related knowledge, interests, length of time and expertise that you possess which could benefit the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association: I have been actively involved in the drug and alcohol testing industry for over 15 years, gaining extensive knowledge of regulatory requirements, workplace safety protocols, and substance use trends. My career began as a collector, where I developed a deep understanding of Part 40 regulations and the practical application of drug testing policies. Over time, I expanded my role to include consulting, training, and advocacy, helping employers navigate the complexities of maintaining compliant and safe workplaces. My expertise spans several key areas:

- Regulatory Knowledge: I am well-versed in federal and state regulations, including DOT Part 40 requirements, and have provided guidance to employers on maintaining compliance while fostering safe work environments.
- Training and Education: I have developed and delivered comprehensive training programs for employers and supervisors, emphasizing reasonable suspicion, safety-sensitive roles, and the impact of substance use on workplace safety.
- Substance Use and Recovery: As a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC), Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), I bring a unique perspective to the intersection of substance use, recovery, and workplace safety. This includes promoting recovery-ready workplace policies that support both employees and employers.
- Recognition and Advocacy: I am honored to be recognized as a subject matter expert by the State of Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) and to serve as the State of Ohio Affiliate for the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. These roles allow me to advocate for best practices and serve as a resource for organizations committed to safety and compliance.

My interests lie in advancing education and awareness within the industry, fostering collaboration between employers and employees, and promoting innovative solutions to emerging challenges, such as cannabis legalization and mental health in the workplace. These passions, combined with my knowledge and experience, equip me to contribute meaningfully to NDASA’s mission and vision.

Please tell us about your committee involvement with NDASA, including which committee(s) you serve on currently and your role(s): I am proud to serve as part of the State Affiliates team, the Recovery-Friendly Workplace (RFW) Committee, and the Governmental Affairs Committee. As a State Affiliate for Ohio, I advocate for NDASA’s mission at the state level, ensuring that employers and organizations have access to the resources and education they need to maintain safe and compliant workplaces. This role enables me to connect with local businesses, address their unique challenges, and promote effective drug and alcohol testing policies. Through my involvement with the Recovery-Friendly Workplace Committee, I contribute to efforts that create supportive environments for employees in recovery while emphasizing workplace safety. I am passionate about helping employers understand the tangible benefits of recovery-ready practices, including reduced injuries, improved morale, and better retention rates. My role on the Governmental Affairs Committee allows me to support NDASA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of our members at local, state, and federal levels. This includes staying informed on legislative initiatives and regulatory policies, such as U.S. Department of Transportation rules, and representing the industry’s interests in discussions with legislative and executive branches. I also take pride in contributing to events like NDASA’s annual Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., ensuring our industry has a voice in critical conversations that shape the future of drug and alcohol testing. These committee roles align closely with my expertise and passion for advancing workplace safety, compliance, and advocacy. It is an honor to contribute to NDASA’s mission through these important initiatives.

Areas of expertise/contribution you feel you can make: As a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), I bring a deep understanding of the critical role drug and alcohol testing plays in creating safer workplaces and supporting individuals on the path to recovery. My work has shown me firsthand how employment drug testing not only prevents accidents but also provides life-saving opportunities for intervention and support. I am passionate about fostering recovery-friendly workplaces that balance safety with compassion. Through policies like second-chance or “one-change” programs, I’ve seen how organizations can transform lives, giving individuals the support they need to overcome substance use challenges while maintaining workplace integrity. These programs demonstrate the power of combining accountability with care, leading to healthier employees and stronger, more resilient organizations. My expertise in guiding employers through these initiatives—whether by implementing recovery-ready policies, offering training on reasonable suspicion, or navigating compliance with DOT regulations—positions me to contribute meaningfully to NDASA’s mission. I am dedicated to promoting education and awareness, ensuring that drug and alcohol testing is recognized not just as a regulatory requirement but as a vital tool for safety and recovery. By focusing on the life-saving potential of workplace testing programs and their ability to create safer environments and second chances, I believe I can help NDASA continue to lead the way in advocating for policies and practices that benefit both employers and employees.

Other volunteer commitments: I am honored to work with various organizations across the country, donating my time as a speaker and educator on topics such as addiction, drug-free workplace policies, and leadership initiatives. Through these efforts, I aim to empower employers and communities to create environments that prioritize safety, support, and recovery. A significant part of my volunteer work involves being a voice for individuals seeking recovery. I dedicate time to helping those in need connect with resources and programs that can guide them on their journey to a healthier and more stable future. By combining education, advocacy, and direct support, I strive to make a meaningful impact on both workplaces and the individuals they serve. This commitment to education and recovery aligns with NDASA’s mission, and I am proud to contribute to initiatives that promote safety and well-being across industries and communities.

Relevant publications, presentations, awards, honors: Throughout my career, I have delivered numerous presentations across the country on topics including substance use in the workplace, reasonable suspicion training, and addiction. These sessions are designed to educate employers, supervisors, and industry leaders on the importance of maintaining safe and compliant workplaces while fostering support for employees in recovery. In addition to these presentations, I am honored to serve as a subject matter expert for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) and as the State of Ohio Affiliate for NDASA, roles that allow me to further advocate for drug-free workplace policies and recovery-friendly initiatives. While I have not formally published work, my consistent commitment to speaking engagements and training programs has allowed me to make a meaningful impact within the drug and alcohol testing industry. These contributions align closely with NDASA’s mission to provide education, advocacy, and support to its members and the broader community.