09.23.2008
Kishwaukee Corporate Health to Observe National Drug-Free Work Week 2008 

Kishwaukee Corporate Health announced today its involvement in National Drug-Free Work Week, a U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored event that will take place October 20 through 26, 2008. The purpose of Drug-Free Work Week is to educate employers, employees and the general public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe and healthful workplace. Now in its third year, the annual campaign is a collaborative effort between the Labor Department, members of its Drug-Free Workplace Alliance and other public and private-sector organizations devoted safe and healthy workplaces. However, all employers and employees are encouraged to participate.     

The themes of Drug-Free Work Week have widespread relevance, according to a survey conducted by the Hazelden Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. The Hazelden research found that while most human resources practitioners recognize substance abuse and addiction as among the most serious problems faced in today's workplace, few companies proactively address these issues with their employees.

“Drug-Free Work Week is a perfect time to remind employers and employees alike that reducing workplace alcohol and drug abuse is a crucial part of keeping workers safe,” said Elena Carr, drug policy coordinator at the Labor Department. “Of course, in a safe and healthful workplace, every week should be Drug-Free Work Week.”

 “Kishwaukee Corporate Health is proud to be a part of this year’s National Drug-Free Work Week,” said Shelly Johnson, Director of Kishwaukee Corporate Health.  “We want to spread the message that ‘working drug free works,’ and to highlight the benefits that drug-free workplace programs bring to employers, workers and communities. Having a consistent drug free workplace policy is a great benefit to employers and can save employers money in the long run.”

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in Drug-Free Work Week and ways they can promote drug-free workplace messages—during the campaign and throughout the year—by visiting the Labor Department's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace website at www.dol.gov/workingpartners or Kishwaukee Corporate Health’s website at http://kishcorporatehealth.org/.