National Conference Highlights Workshop Prevention Quarterly Meeting November 2018

Real Costs of Rx Pain Meds, Opioids, and Substance Use in the Workplace: What Employers and Communities Can Do National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit Atlanta, GA April 2-5, 2018 Jenny Burke JD, Senior Director of Advocacy at the National Safety Council Eric Goplerud PhD, MA, Vice President and Senior Fellow of Public Health, NORC at the University of Chicago Shannon Hurtley, Chief Marketing Officer Shatterproof

The key points learned…. Do employees feel safe to talk about an issue with substances without repercussion? Are policies in place after an employee has surgery? Is there help/support? Can they telecommute? How will you handle, as an employer, when you get to the point of an employee using? Can you see a change? Can you ID? Is there a culture in the workforce that is more inclusive of those not in recovery? Are there alternatives for those in recovery?

The key points learned…. Are there alternative options to treatment offered? Physical therapy is the most used, however make sure there is an incentive to use it. $10 copay for a pill but $25 copay for a pt appointment. Run scenarios in the industry for how it may affect you. Stories of how it affects company and family. One time treatment cost: someone in recovery will save the company yearly. There is an education tool for small business and drug Testing policy, to include prescription drugs.

Resources available…. www.nsc.org You can look at substances overall or break down substances individually. “Opioids: Warn Me” labels on insurance cards NSC Speakers Bureau-4 physicians to discuss prescription drugs/misuse Prescription Nation 2018 booklet-facing America's opioid Epidemic Defining the issues Grading state’s progress Recommending life-saving actions

Resources available…. Rx Drug Employer Kit: designed to help employers understand the impact of prescription opioid use and misuse in the workplace and effectively communicate with employers. Stericycle, Inc prescription drug disposal bags.

THANK YOU!!! Leah Reason ECHO Coordinator Dorchester Alcohol and Drug Commission