It is evident that the ongoing opioid crisis plaguing our region, commonwealth, and nation. At the Chamber, we recognize the impact this epidemic is having on all of our communities, including the business community.
Victims of opioid addiction range in age, but a large percentage of them are in their early-20s to mid-30s – just like much of our workforce.
As a result, businesses are struggling to find applicants who are able to pass drug screenings for employment, or alternatively, existing employees are becoming addicted and management and HR staff may not know how to best help them.
This is a hard-hitting issue, but it is one that cannot be ignored. Our public safety officials and their community partners have demonstrated incredible leadership in working to raise awareness for the opioid epidemic and provide support for those who need it.
Chief Hall of Roanoke County, Deputy Chief Roman of Roanoke City, and Deputy Chief Drumond of Vinton recently participated in our Policy & Pints podcast to discuss current efforts, partnerships and community organizations combatting the opioid crisis in the Roanoke Valley.
Listen here to learn how business leaders can identify signs of addiction in employees and direct them to the available resources in our community.