PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Aroostook Mental Health Services Inc. has joined the Northeastern Workforce Development Board’s Recovery Friendly Employer network.
“AMHC is excited to announce its participation,” said Brittany Ballard, director of human resources. “A major goal of this project is for employers to formally recognize their support of recovery, and then decide how that can be implemented within our own workplace practices.”
The board recently voted to create a network and support system for employers that are recovery friendly.
“Addiction and the opioid crisis have hit Maine hard. People in recovery are struggling to find employment and businesses are feeling the impact of substance use disorder,” Joanna Russell, NWDB executive director, said. “To help turn the tide, employers can adopt a culture that openly supports recovery, which can improve both employee satisfaction and better our community.
By joining this initiative, AMHC reinforces its commitment to a healthy, safe, and stigma-free work environment to eliminate barriers to recovery for those impacted by addiction.
“In early November employees were notified of our involvement,” Ballard said. “Being designated a recovery-friendly employer is a great step in AMHC formally declaring the agency’s support for recovery.”
As part of the network, employers will have access to tailored advice, workshops and resource materials. Businesses interested in taking part can visit the NWDB webpage (https://www.northeasternwdb.org/recovery-friendly-employers/) or contact Joanna Russell at 207-951-2549.
AMHC is a nonprofit organization supporting nearly 6,000 clients annually. The agency has 26 service sites and 325 employees located across Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock counties providing mental health, substance use, crisis, and sexual assault services. For more information, connect with AMHC at www.amhc.org.
