Maryland Increases Support for State Workers in Substance Use Recovery

Gov. Wes Moore recently signed an executive order establishing Maryland as a recovery-friendly workplace for state employees.

The new directive “increases support for Maryland state employees in recovery from substance use disorders by updating state employment policies,” according to a Sept. 4 statement.

With the order in place, Maryland joins “only a few other state governments in the country” with recovery-friendly workplace policies, according to the same statement.

The mandate requires state agencies to provide training to educate employees about substance use disorders, substance use treatment and recovery and how to respond to overdoses.

The order also updates state corrective action policies, ensuring that individuals are first offered support through the state’s Employee Assistance Program prior to punitive measures when substance use impacts their work performance, according to Moore’s office.

Maryland’s recovery-friendly workplace program currently operates across the state, with dedicated staff in locations including Baltimore City as well as Allegany, St. Mary’s and Washington Counties. The just-signed executive order “expands the program’s impact even further,” the statement read.

“Every community in Maryland has been affected by substance use and overdoses, and many of us know people who are thriving in recovery,” said Moore, in a statement.

“Our administration is supporting our affected communities by encouraging employers across the state to foster recovery-friendly environments, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because the data shows us these policies lead to real economic gains. It’s time that the state walks the walk to show that Maryland supports and values workers in recovery.”