RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOVERY-FRIENDLY WORKPLACES AND SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO EXPAND RECOVERY-SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Snyder-Hall & Sen. Cruce

Reps. Berry, Bolden, K. Johnson, Lambert, Morrison, Yearick; Sens. Sokola, Hansen, Hoffner, Pinkney, Seigfried, Richardson

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 111

RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOVERY-FRIENDLY WORKPLACES AND SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO EXPAND RECOVERY-SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, substance use disorder continues to affect communities across the United States, with more than 48.4 million Americans meeting the criteria for a substance use disorder; and

WHEREAS, millions of Americans are living in long-term recovery and contributing meaningfully to their families, workplaces, and communities, demonstrating that recovery is both possible and beneficial to society; and

WHEREAS, more than 23 million Americans are currently living in recovery from substance use disorder and contributing an estimated $2 trillion annually to the United States economy; and

WHEREAS, approximately 70 percent of adults with substance use disorder are employed, highlighting the critical role that workplaces play in supporting individuals in recovery and maintaining a stable workforce; and

WHEREAS, substance use disorders are estimated to cost United States employers more than $80 billion to $100 billion annually in lost productivity, demonstrating the economic importance of prevention, treatment, and recovery support initiatives; and

WHEREAS, employees in recovery often demonstrate strong workplace engagement, including higher retention rates and lower absenteeism, making recovery-supportive employment practices beneficial for both employers and employees; and

WHEREAS, opioid use disorder continues to be a major public health concern in Delaware, with approximately 2.1 percent of Delaware’s population, or nearly 18,000 residents, estimated to have an opioid use disorder; and

WHEREAS, employment is widely recognized as one of the strongest predictors of sustained recovery, providing individuals with financial stability, purpose, community connection, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives; and

WHEREAS, recovery-friendly workplaces implement policies and practices that promote prevention, reduce stigma, support employees in recovery, and create opportunities for individuals impacted by substance use disorder to reenter the workforce; and

WHEREAS, national efforts, including the White House Recovery-Ready Workplace Initiative led by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, encourage employers across the country to adopt workplace practices that support prevention, treatment, and recovery; and

WHEREAS, organizations in Delaware, including Impact Life, have worked to expand awareness of recovery-friendly workplace practices by providing education, training, and resources to employers and community partners throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, peer-led recovery organizations play a critical role in supporting individuals in recovery, reducing stigma, and connecting Delaware residents with employment opportunities and workforce development pathways; and

WHEREAS, expanding recovery-supportive employment practices strengthens Delaware’s workforce, supports economic growth, and helps ensure that individuals in recovery have the opportunity to contribute their skills, experience, and resilience to their communities.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the General Assembly recognizes the importance of recovery-friendly workplaces and the positive impact they have on individuals, families, employers, and communities across Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly encourages continued collaboration among employers, community organizations, and public partners to expand awareness and adoption of recovery-supportive workplace practices throughout the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit a copy of this resolution to Impact Life in recognition of its work supporting recovery, workforce development, and community health throughout the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This House Concurrent Resolution recognizes the importance of recovery-friendly workplaces and the positive impact they have on individuals, families, employers, and communities across Delaware. It also encourages continued collaboration among employers, community organizations, and public partners to expand awareness and adoption of recovery-supportive workplace practices throughout the State.