US Department of Labor launches 4th annual Drug-Free Work Week campaign

Activities occurring in workplaces and communities nationwide Oct. 19 through 25

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today launched the fourth annual Drug-Free Work Week national awareness campaign, which will run through Oct. 25. The department's campaign highlights support for workplace safety and the importance of having a drug-free work environment. Activities also encourage workers battling alcohol and drug problems to seek assistance.

This year's campaign specifically focuses on the benefits provided by drug-free workplace programs to workers and employers as well as families and communities. As part of this effort, Labor Department officials will participate in a series of events nationwide.

On Oct. 24, Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis will deliver a video message to participants attending the Employee Assistance Professionals Association's annual World Employee Assistance Program Conference in Dallas, Texas. Her remarks will focus on the critical support that workplaces offer employees experiencing alcohol and drug abuse problems, and how to prevent the consequences from impacting victims' families.

"This year, we are broadening the conversation, because the benefits of drug-free workplace programs go beyond the boundaries of work environments," said Secretary Solis. "Drug-free workplaces help keep today's workers in safe, good jobs, and they contribute to creating drug-free communities while shaping a healthier workforce for tomorrow."

On Oct. 20, Elena Carr, the U.S. Department of Labor's drug policy coordinator, will participate in a national webinar from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT to address the role drug-free workplaces can play in preventing underage drinking, as well as steps community leaders and local groups can take in keeping America's children alcohol-free. Individuals may register for the webinar at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/287871152.

As in previous years, individual employers and employees nationwide will observe the week through a range of activities, which include conducting onsite educational programs, exhibiting public displays and publicizing assistance available to employees impacted by alcohol or drug problems through workplace or community resources. Several unions, including those that are members of the Labor Department's Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, will hold activities.

Drug-Free Work Week is coordinated by the Department of Labor's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program, in partnership with members of its Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, which is comprised of several federal agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on alcohol and drug abuse prevention or workplace safety and health. For further information about Drug-Free Work Week events and how to participate, visit http://www.dol.gov/drugfreeworkweek.

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