We know that those who work in the health field, education and law enforcement all have an important role to play in our efforts to address substance use and misuse in our communities. One important but often overlooked ally in our efforts at prevention are employers. Employers can provide education and assistance not only to their employees but to their families as well.

Unfortunately, all too often an employee experiencing a mental health crisis will turn to alcohol, marijuana or other drugs and thereby exacerbate their problem. For example, this recent KFF Health News article highlights the mental health and overdoses crises within the construction industry. By scheduling educational programming and supervisory training (both of which PDFNJ provides FREE of charge), an employer can identify a substance use problem early on and potentially prevent the development of a substance use disorder.

Every business in New Jersey needs to be in full compliance with drug-free workplace policies and procedures, especially with adult use of marijuana now legal in our state. So, I invite all businesses, not-for-profits and community agencies to register for the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s 25th Drugs Don’t Work in NJ Annual Members’ Webinar- A Legal Update on Tuesday, February 11 at 11 a.m.

The webinar will feature Nancy Delogu, an attorney at Littler Mendelson, P.C., and an expert on substance use in the workplace. She will be joined by Lauren J. Marcus, shareholder for Littler Mendelson P.C., who represents and advises New Jersey employers in various aspects of employment law. WRNJ’s Morning Program and B•Inspired podcast host Bert Baron will moderate the discussion.

Focused on legal compliance and contemporary challenges, the webinar will explore the impact of marijuana use on the workplace and discuss current national trends and law. Attendees will receive resources post-webinar to update their policies in compliance with regulatory changes. As New Jersey navigates the complexities of legal marijuana and evolving drug testing technologies, it is crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Please pass this invitation to the business leaders in your community.

For more information about the webinar and PDFNJ's drug-free workplace program, contact Bill Lillis, CPS, Drug-Free Workplace Coordinator, at bill@drugfreenj.org or 862-253-6808.