Gov. Chris Sununu Sets Example With New Ideas For Addressing Opioid Addiction In New Hampshire

November 27, 2017

In New Hampshire, GOP Governor Chris Sununu is setting an example for the rest of the nation by taking on the opioid crisis through common sense solutions. The Wall Street Journal reports that Governor Sununu’s office is leading efforts to certify willing businesses as “recovery friendly,” to open up opportunities for recovering addicts seeking jobs, while also offering training and consultation services to businesses interested in participating. By working to expand employment opportunities for those in recovery, Governor Sununu is providing essential pathways to help addicts stay sober and rebuild their lives, setting a clear foundation to address opioid addiction in the Granite State.

The Wall Street Journal reports:

“At a recruiting event in a sunlit parish hall here, job seekers from sober houses streamed in, looking for opportunities from a range of employers all willing to look beyond gaps in resumes, criminal records and messy pasts.

The event was part of an effort by Republican New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu to tackle two acute struggles facing the state: extremely low unemployment and extremely high levels of opioid addiction.

Mr. Sununu estimates that as many 15,000 recovering opioid addicts are sidelined from the workforce. He says people climbing out of addiction need, and often want, the stability, financial independence and purpose that steady jobs can offer.

‘We want to re-instill that level of self worth that so many people in recovery have lost,’ he said in an interview. At the same time, Mr. Sununu said, ‘we need those able-bodied working adults. We need that workforce in the state.’…

Public officials increasingly view employment as an essential part of recovery because they say it improves the chances that addicts will stay sober—and steady pay also reduces reliance on public funds.

In the coming weeks, the governor’s office will begin a program to certify willing New Hampshire businesses as ‘recovery friendly’—with plans for a state website that job seekers in recovery can mine. The state will offer training and consultation to businesses that want to participate.”