Research shows that well-being is directly related to community and economic outcomes. One barrier to wellness that many regions face is opioid abuse in the workplace.
The misuse of prescription opioids and other synthetic drugs has surged in the last decade with nearly 130 deaths each day in the United States from opioids, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports. As a result, employers are increasingly concerned about the rampant availability of these drugs and the impact on employee productivity, talent availability, absenteeism and overall health care cost.
Below are resources designed to help employers and employees address the ongoing opioid crisis in the workplace.
Detroit Regional Chamber Resources
Opioids in the Workplace: Impacting Michigan 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference
At the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference, a panel of business and government leaders discussed the state’s opioid epidemic, how it impacts employers of all sizes, and explored steps businesses can take to mitigate the effect on employees through policies and programs.
Detroiter Magazine: A Former Addict Attacks Opioid Crisis Using Telemedicine
The April 2019 Detroiter magazine was developed to address challenges preventing Detroit from ranking as one of the nation’s healthiest cities. This article focused on an Ann Arbor based startup that offers online treatment and telehealth medicine for opioid use disorder. Read the full article.
Chamber Today: Employer and Employee Resources for Addressing Opioid Addiction in the Workplace
This article on Chamber Today provides a list of resources to help employers educate themselves on the issue and proactively address opioids in the workplace head-on. Read the full article.
Chamber Today: Ford Motor Company’s Comprehensive Approach to Addressing The Opioid Crisis
This article on Chamber Today details the UAW-Ford Campaign of Hope and the steps the company is taking to address the opioid crisis in the workplace. Read the full article.
Chamber Today: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Takes a Stand Against the Opioid Crisis
The Detroit Regional Chamber recently interviewed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) to learn what the organization is doing on the provider side to mitigate the crisis and help those suffering from opioid abuse or addiction. Read the full article.
Toolkits
Download the Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan Opioid Toolkit for Employers
The opioid epidemic is a top priority for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Their mission is to prevent addiction before it starts and ensure effective treatment for people struggling with it. Learn more and download the toolkit.
Sharing Solutions: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Resource Hub for Businesses
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched Sharing Solutions: A one-stop resource to help the business community combat the opioid crisis. Learn more about Sharing Solutions.
Macomb County Community Mental Health Office of Substance Abuse
This office is responsible for providing publicly funded prevention and treatment services for Macomb County residents struggling with substance abuse. Learn more and get in touch.
Additional Resources
Workit Health
www.workithealth.com
University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services
www.medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/programs/addiction-center
State of Michigan’s Office of Recovery
www.michigan.gov/opioids
Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority
www.dwmha.com
Oakland Community Health Network
www.oaklandchn.org