ACHS becomes Recovery Friendly Workplace

It is estimated that 60,000 New Hampshire residents are in recovery from addiction, including family members, friends, employees, and co-workers.

To help those who are affected keep and obtain employment, and increase their chances of long-term success, Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, Inc. (ACHS) has joined Governor Chris Sununu’s Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative (RFW).

RFWs are businesses that pledge their support to current and potential employees struggling with addiction and substance use disorder. The program provides business owners with resources to create a supportive recovery-friendly environment where employers, employees, and communities can partner to eliminate barriers for those impacted by addiction. Unveiled by Governor Chris Sununu in 2018, the program has over 160 businesses throughout the state who work to include rather than exclude those in recovery.

ACHS pledges to “Include rather than Exclude” those in recovery

Recovery Friendly Workplaces recognize that recovery from substance use disorder is a strength and are willing to support people working to improve their lives.  They help break the stigma associated with addiction by shining a light on the topic and by offering resources to those in need.

“Addiction affects all of us, our friends, family members, and our employees”, said ACHS Human Resource Director, Georgene Novak. “We can’t pretend it doesn’t exist, and it’s important for us partner with those affected to help them stay on the path to long-term success. Finding and keeping a job with a supportive organization is a key part of that journey.”, she adds.

Throughout the ACHS organization, you’ll see the RFW logo – in the breakrooms and cafeterias, lobbies, and restrooms as well as in the agency’s recruitment efforts. Important take-a-way cards that explain their commitment to present and future employees, and their recovery, will be available at all ACHS sites. ACHS’ CEO, Ed Shanshala is pleased with the RFW designation and adds, “It’s paramount to our organization that we support employees recovery from substance abuse, just as we would any health care concern they would have – with compassion, with understanding, and with care.”

 

Founded in 1975, ACHS is a nonprofit community health center offering a network of affordable health care services to residents of 26 New Hampshire towns in northern Grafton and southern Coos counties.  With sites located in Littleton, Franconia, Whitefield, Warren, and Woodsville, their Clinical teams provide comprehensive services – including primary, dental, and behavioral health care on a sliding fee scale to nearly 11,000 patients. For more information about ACHS, visit www.ammonoosuc.org or call 444-2464.

For more information on the Governor’s Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative visit:  https://www.recoveryfriendlyworkplace.com/

 

Photo Caption:

Georgene Novak and Ed Shanshala accept the Governor’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Certification