We need to respond to the staggering increase in substance use, mental health needs, and substance-related deaths in the American workforce. To address these issues, this event will highlight the work that the Colorado School of Public Health's Center for Health, Work & Environment (CHWE) has done through the Colorado’s Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Initiative.

The RFW Initiative provides education, training, and resources to help managers and individuals implement workplace practices and support for employees in treatment and recovery. The project works with partners and employers to educate businesses, guiding them in creating workplaces that support workers struggling with common behavioral health conditions including substance use and addiction. 

In partnership with the CU Johnson Depression Center and the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, the goal is to address the national mental health crisis and substance use epidemic made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This event is a partnership with the Colorado Attorney General's Office, the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

Speakers include:

• Chancellor Don Elliman, CU Anschutz Medical Campus
• Heidi Williams, Director of Opioid Response, Colorado Attorney General, State of Colorado
• Rob Valuck, Executive Director, Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention
• Kevin Hougen, President and CEO, Aurora Chamber of Commerce