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President Biden released the 2022 National Drug Control Strategy to help bend the curve on overdose deaths. This plan not only addresses the immediate needs of those struggling with substance use disorders (SUD), but he also addresses a long term plan which includes expanding employment opportunities and promoting Recovery-Ready Workplace policies (page 75).
This plan expands on and recognizes how critically important employment is for those in recovery, and that employment offers stabilizing support to an individual and the larger community. The Office of National Drug Control Policy intends to contribute and coordinate with the Administration's existing interagency process to expand employment opportunities for previously incarcerated person so they can support individuals in recovery. They are working closely with our counterparts in New Hampshire (NH Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative), participants in a working group that include SAMHSA, the Departments of Commerce, the Department of Labor, NIOSH, and the VA to develop and implement plans for establishing, expanding, and enhancing employment-related initiatives for people in recovery and those impacted by substance misuse.
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Congratulations to Amtrol, Anchor Recovery Community Center, Dave's Coffee, Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, Southside Community Land Trust, Southern Providence County Regional Coalition, and Sumo's Nails & Spa for your commitment to supporting your employees and their families who are in recovery. Click on the each of the logo's below to learn more about our newly designated RFW's and the amazing work they do! | |
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We are proud to begin partnering with Journey Magazine to bring stories of recovery and resources to workplaces AND the general public!
To subscribe for FREE bi-monthly digital copies, please click the button below click here.
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit | |
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The Department of Labor and Training (DLT), in conjunction with the Economic Development Corporation, the Governor's Workforce Board-RI, and the Division of Taxation offers credit programs that promote the hiring of certain targeted groups of job seekers.
Here are a number of federal and state tax credits and grants. Each is linked to more specific information, including purpose, requirements, maximum amount, and administering agencies. More information can be obtained by contacting your Employer Service Representative.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit promotes the hiring of certain targeted groups of job seekers. The targeted groups include qualified Temporary Assistance Families (TANF) recipients, some veterans, recipients of vocational rehabilitation services, food stamp recipients, qualified ex-felons and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients long term unemployed.
Employers who hire these qualifying individuals may be eligible to receive a tax credit of $2,400 per individual.
Applications and forms to apply can be found here. All forms must be submitted within 28 calendar days of the employee's start date.
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Harm Reduction Vending Machines
Did you know that there is a 24/7 harm reduction vending machine in Providence? Individuals can pick up syringes, Narcan, and more, free of charge. It is located behind AIDS Care Ocean State at 557 Broad St. To start using the Providence vending machine visit one of the Project Weber/RENEW offices to fill out a confidential enrollment form.
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May Is Mental Health Month Kick-Off Event
this year's Mental Health Month kick-off event, the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island (MHRI) will present awards to the "Mental Health Hero of the Year" and two "Legislators of the Year." View and share the full calendar of events on MHRI.
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FREE Online Mental Health Panel Discussions
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is hosting several FREE online panel discussions related to mental health . To see a full listing of their events and to register online click here.
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Rare & Unusual Plant Sale
May 14 & 15th| 10 a.m. - 2p.m.
Join one of our newest RFW's, Southside Community Land Trust at their 30th Annual Plant Sale in-person at City Farm. Click here for more information and to learn about becoming a Southside Community Land Trust member.
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Prescription Drug Take Back
You can dispose of any unused or expired medicines at one of the many designated take back locations across Rhode Island.
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ShelterWalk 2.0
May 18 - 25th| 9 a.m.
Join RFW Community Care Alliance for their virtual ShelterWalk to help those who are struggling to stay in their homes during this extraordinarily difficult year. You can participate by walking, running, biking, or swimming. Complete your 5k in one day or through out the week while enjoying the benefits of outdoor physical activity during Mental Health Month. Click here for more information and to register.
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Inspire Youth Conference
July 29 - July 31| 9 a.m.
Anna Maria College, Paxton, MA
Inspire is a youth Empowerment Conference is presented by the Herren Project open to high school students from across the country. It is designed to inspire students to be their est selves by strengthening leadershipp and personal wellness skills. Open to all high school aged students & advisors. Click here to learn more and register.
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Integrated Behavioral Health and Peer Recovery Specialist Training
July 11th-20th 2022 (weekdays only) 8:30a-4pm
Anchor Recovery is a national leader in Peer to Peer service. Their training aims to further the development of peer recovery specialists by offering the core classes needed to begin their journey. Click here to sign up for their next training session.
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What is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Did you know one in five people have been diagnosed with a mental health condition?
Mental Heath Awareness Month was created by the Mental Health America organization as a way to educate the public, raise awareness about different treatment options, decrease stigma, and to celebrate those in recovery from a mental health disorder.
The Lifespan Blog Team offers a variety of educational blogs to help increase your awareness about mental illness. Click here to learn more.
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As an employer you can connect with a peer recovery support specialist at Project Weber/RENEW, AIDS Care Ocean State, Parent Support Network of Rhode Island, or Community Care Alliance to educate your employees or coworkers about the dangers and prevalence of Fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a deadly substance causing overdoses in our state. Many people who overdosed did not know their drugs, like cocaine, meth, or counterfeit pills were also mixed with fentanyl. Check out the video above for more information.
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As a RFW you can participate in Kim Lamontagne's "The 4 Pillars of Creating and Sustaining a Mentally Healthy Workplace Culture: Leadership Training. More information on the training and a discount for designated RFW's is available by clicking here.
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Addiction education is vitally important if we are to support our communities and workplaces in achieving long-term recovery. The high prevalence of stigma, shame and misunderstanding surrounding this illness leave those impacted by addiction to feel alone and disconnected. Knowing that these conversations can be difficult to have with those around us, our Shatterproof educational modules will give YOU the tools you need to increase awareness, reduce stigma and share information about addiction prevention and treatment.
Just five has shown statistically significant impact in changes in attitudes & awareness around addiction including how to help, recognizing the symptoms, how to reduce risk, and eliminate stigma.
Ask your RFW Advisor how you can use Just Five to educate your employees at no cost!
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How are you staying Recovery Friendly? | |
Becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace means that you are not only supporting your employees, but you are also offering educational tools, and resources to your employees. If you are looking for a refresher or another way to support your colleagues you can check out our Employer Guideand consult with your Recovery Friendly Advisor. | | | | |
