By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
For years local manufacturers have reported difficulty with drugs in the workplace. Employers have said they have trouble filling some positions due to applicants failing drug tests. Companies have struggled with how to handle employees who show up on the job high or intoxicated.
So Wood County is going to try a different approach.
A $20,000 grant from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will help start a program working with local employers on the issue. Chris Streidl, manager of clinical programs and quality improvement for the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, presented information on the program recently to the Wood County Commissioners.
The goal of the program will be to connect with local employers to provide training and resources so they can recognize substance abuse and respond appropriately, Streidl said.
The program will help employers decide how and when to get help for an employee, or how and when to sever the relationship with that employee. Businesses will also learn to develop policies to protect both themselves and workers.
The legalization of medical marijuana in Ohio makes it even more difficult for businesses to be drug-free, Streidl said.
“Finding people to fill positions has been difficult. It’s been an issue in our community,” he said.
The program will be designed to meet the needs of Wood County businesses.
“It will be tailored to our community. It won’t be cookie cutter,” Streidl said.
Streidl asked for the county commissioners’ support – not financially – but in getting the word out to area businesses.
“We want to make sure we get this to everyone who can benefit,” he said. “We want to make it accessible to all businesses, big and small.”
A final needs assessment will be conducted as part of the grant. Streidl said he expected the first meeting of those involved in the program will be held before the end of the year.
