Ohio initiative prioritizes recovery-friendly workplaces

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As the state's population continues to grow, Governor Mike DeWine and his administration are working to ensure everyone has a chance -- or second chance -- at employment.

Changing the culture behind those chances is the goal propelling a new statewide initiative. The state is working to identify “Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplaces,” places where employers are focused on creating a supportive environment for employees recovering from mental health and substance abuse challenges.

"Part of that is having employers who are willing to hire someone who was an addict that’s in recovery and they have demonstrated that they are trying very hard and they are doing well," DeWine told NBC4. 

To make those hires, employers have to understand the nuances of mental health and substance abuse recovery.

Ryan Pickut, clinical director of residential services for Maryhaven, said a lack of conversation or acknowledgement can be severely detrimental to someone in the midst of recovery. According to its website, Maryhaven is a care facility that specializes in addiction treatment and recovery, and has helped over 350,000 central Ohioans since it opened in 1953.

"So you have an employee who's actively using or struggling with substances, or relapsed and you don't have a supportive plan in place to address that," Pickut said. "More often than not, that that person is just going to stop coming to work."

Pickut said that is why a program like “Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace” is so necessary.

To qualify, businesses have several actions they can put in place, like training leaders to identify signs of substance use and encouraging them to help employees seek treatment, or providing mental health and wellness education programs.

Employers who feel they are working toward one or more of those goals can then receive a designation from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Pickut said this move is a big step in helping those working to help themselves.

"It provides that safe space to have a conversation," Pickut said. 

According to DeWine’s office, several businesses have already expressed interest in the program, including Nationwide, a major employer here in central Ohio.