Breakfast Connections - Indiana Workforce Recovery

In February 2018, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Wellness Council
of Indiana announced the Indiana Workforce Recovery initiative, a strategic
partnership with Gov. Eric Holcomb and his administration to combat the opioid
epidemic.

The mission of the initiative is to empower the business community to play a
lead role by educating and guiding employers through the steps they can take
to help their workers.

The effects of drug abuse on Hoosiers, their families and communities are
indisputable and devastating. In 2016 alone, nearly 500 Hoosiers died of
an opioid overdose, according to data released by the Indiana State Department
of Health. Meanwhile, the Indiana University Kelley School of Business says opioid
misuse has a staggering $1.5 billion direct impact on the state’s annual economy,
and identifies 58% of those suffering from drug addiction as being employed.