NNews March 2024

6 March 2024 How the Nationally Certified RPWProgramWorks “This addition of Recovery: Workplace is a natural fit, and it’s a national initiative being supported by all the appropriate agencies in addiction and recovery,” Pollack added. For example, RPW is nationally certified, as it meets all of the Substance Abuse andMental Health Services Administration’s criteria: Endorsements fromNJAMHAA and Members “We are delighted to partner with GoMo Health in promoting this valuable tool, which is clearly impactful for the health of individuals in the behavioral healthcare workforce and the systemoverall,” saidDebra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA. “We are proud to share the NJAMHAA ‘seal of approval’ for member organizations that implement the RPWprogram.” “In all areas of behavioral health, NJAMHAA is a natural partner when looking at supporting and protecting not only the mission of their members, but of their members and co-workers themselves,” Pollack stated. “It’s rare that a partnership is so robust. NJAMHAA is very clear on wanting to work together,” Drap added. Recovery Pathways has been used to augment clinical care and has been proven effective. For example, Ron Allen, MA, CODP, Director, Sussex County Community Support Team, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, shared that the programhas significantly increased clients’ engagement with the mental health program and adherence to medications by keeping them connected outside of programhours. As a result, they developed stronger skills and have “much better chances of achieving sustainable andmeaningful recovery,” Allen said. He explained that clients can text key words to instantly receive the support they need. For example, texting “song” will result in a motivating song being sent to their phones; “smile” will prompt the program to send a joke; “fence” indicates individuals are reluctant to attend the program that day and the prompted response encourages them to attend. “The text messaging is always there to keepmembers connected, so the drift doesn’t happen,” Allen stressed. These experiences clearly indicate that theWorkplace version of Recovery Pathways is equally effective for behavioral healthcare staff. Ensure the workforce can recognize signs and symptoms. Support and train supervisors andmanagers, including training about how to engage employees in conversations around substance use issues and recovery. Provide other support programs. Use screening tools for assessing possible alcohol and substance use problems. Informemployees in recovery that theymay have the right to reasonable accommodations and other protections that can help themkeep their jobs. Reduce the risk of substance misuse and SUD, including through education and steps to prevent injury in the workplace. Educate all levels of the organization on SUD and recovery, working to reduce stigma andmisunderstanding, including by facilitating open discussion on the topic. Provide employees with clear, consistent information about all benefits and leave offered, including those for physical health, mental health, and substance use treatment. Review company hiring and leave policies. Promote psychological safety among co-workers andmanagers. Build and reinforce trust in the organization. To learnmore about RPW, please contact Drap at ddrap@gomohealth.com or Pollack at gpollack@gomohealth.com .