Maryland DOL Introduces Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative

Maryland DOL Introduces Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative

The pilot program supports workers in recovery from a substance use disorder.

  • By Robert Yaniz Jr.
  • Dec 15, 2023

The Maryland Department of Labor has launched a Recovery Friendly Workplace pilot program to create a more inclusive environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

Funded by the Maryland Department of Health's Behavioral Health Administration, the program will receive over $438,000 in federal funding through September 2024. It focuses on assisting employers to develop workplaces that support the professional and personal growth of people who identify as in recovery from a substance use disorder.

“We appreciate the support and partnership for this important initiative to help provide more inclusive opportunities for Marylanders in recovery,” Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu said in a statement. “Recovery impacts all facets of life, including careers and professional development. This collaboration across state government will help us to develop best practices so that workplaces foster professional and personal growth.”

The Western Maryland Consortium, Susquehanna Workforce Network and St. Mary's County Health Department—located in areas heavily affected by addiction and overdose crises—will use the funding to employ certified peer recovery specialists to act as both a resource for individuals in recovery and a liaison for businesses to adopt the Recovery Friendly model.

On a related note, the Maryland Department of Labor was also selected to participate in the National Governors Association Policy Academy on Overdose Prevention Across the Continuum. Through this involvement, the department will receive insights into best practices for supporting the Recovery Friendly Workplace program expanding it statewide.

More information about the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative, is available on the Maryland Department of Labor's website.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

Product Showcase

  • Full Line of Defense Against Combustible Dust Nilfisk

    Nilfisk provides a comprehensive range of industrial vacuums meticulously crafted to adhere to NFPA 652 housekeeping standards, essential for gathering combustible dust in Class I, Group D, and Class II, Groups E, F & G environments or non-classified settings. Our pneumatic vacuums are meticulously engineered to fulfill safety criteria for deployment in hazardous surroundings. Leveraging advanced filtration technology, Nilfisk ensures the secure capture of combustible materials scattered throughout your facility, ranging from fuels, solvents, and metal dust to flour, sugar, and pharmaceutical powders. 3

  • Matrix's OmniPro Vision AI Collision Avoidance System

    OmniPro Vision AI is a state-of-the-art collision avoidance system that features NIOSH award-winning Visual Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This highly accurate, powerful system identifies and alerts on pedestrians, vehicles and specified objects, ensuring safer facilities, mining operations and industrial sites. With its web-based cloud application, OmniPro Vision AI also logs and analyzes a wide range of data related to zone breach notifications. Operating without needing personal wearable devices or tags, OmniPro has visual and audible zone breach alerts for both operators and pedestrians. 3

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. 3

Featured

Most   Popular