(Submitted by Working Partners Drug-Free Workforce Community Initiative in Wood County)
In an effort to address the safety and economic threat of drug abuse in the workplace, the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board has partnered with 13 local stakeholders and Working Partners to launch the Working Partners Drug-Free Workforce Community Initiative in Wood County. Similar community initiatives are occurring in 17 counties across Ohio.
The local program launched with the first official meeting of stakeholders held on January 13 th at Wood County Job and Family Services. During the initial stakeholder meeting, the group learned about the objectives of the initiative: to increase workforce readiness and employability; build healthier, stronger, more productive workplaces; and to create systems to educate employees – who are parents or have influence over young people – to prevent drug use among that population. In addition, they discussed current substance abuse trends in the local community, explored community- specific assets and liabilities and reviewed the initial tasks of the initiative.
“We are excited to begin the important work of bringing employers and community leaders together to address the drug-related issues facing our community,” said Amanda Moser, Community Educator for the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board. “Our initial stakeholder meeting was the first step in the process of making our workplaces safer and our workforce and community stronger.”
