U.S. Labor Department announces dates for 4th annual Drug-Free Work Week

Campaign depends upon community organizations to implement local level activities

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today encouraged public and private community organizations to participate in the 4th annual Drug-Free Work Week, which will occur Oct. 19 to 25. This public awareness campaign, held each October, emphasizes the importance of drug-free workplace programs to help prevent workplace alcohol and drug use, and encourage workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help.

This year's campaign will have a special focus on the benefits drug-free workplace programs bring to America's families and communities. In cities and towns across the nation, community-based and neighborhood organizations will be organizing a variety of grassroots activities to spread the campaign's core message that "Working Drug Free Works" to workers, working parents and youth.

"Successful drug-free workplace programs provide a safe and healthy environment for workers, and result in a productive workplace for employers," said Elena M. Carr,drug policy coordinator for the Labor Department's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy. "For everyone's safety, participate in this year's campaign to reduce substance and alcohol abuse that can affect families and entire communities."

Examples of local level activities that community-based organizations might use to further Drug-Free Work Week's message are employer seminars, workplace-based trainings and community health fairs with special activities for youth and families. As in previous years, employers and workers are also encouraged to conduct observances within their organizations, with activities such as workplace displays, educational programs and alcohol-free social events.

Drug-Free Work Week is coordinated by the Labor Department's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program, in partnership with members of its Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, several federal agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on alcohol and drug abuse prevention or workplace safety and health.

A variety of Drug-Free Work Week materials and specific ideas for how organizations of all types can get involved in the campaign are available on the Drug-Free Work Week Web site at http://www.dol.gov/drugfreeworkweek.

# # #