Recovery and Work
Building Recovery Supportive Workplaces
The Recovery Friendly Workplace is a growing initiative that equips employers with tools and resources to create recovery-supportive environments and strengthen workplace health, safety, and well-being. According to the 2023 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 17.9% of people aged 18 and older have a substance use disorder (SUD), and nearly two-thirds are employed. This makes SUD not only a public health challenge but also a workplace concern that touches all industries, organizations, and communities.
The Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at OHSU over the coming months will host a two-part series on RFW approaches designed to support individuals affected by substance use, with a focus on people in recovery.
Upcoming Recovery Friendly Workplace events
Employer Forum: Recovery Friendly Workplace in Action
January 15, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
In-person: University of Oregon, Portland
Get your tickets now!
The term "recovery friendly workplace" refers to businesses and organizations that have taken proactive steps to prevent and respond to substance misuse. This includes fostering workplace-supported recovery and strengthening opportunities for individuals in recovery while supporting all those affected by substance use disorders.
Attendees of this in-person event will gain valuable insights from leaders who have studied, evaluated and implemented workplace strategies that successfully support recovery. Employers attending this event will:
- Understand the elements of a Recovery Friendly Workplace
- Exchange innovations that support and retain workers in or considering recovery
- Access practical tools and resources to guide workplace implementation
- Explore case studies showcasing successful programs, policies, and practices that employers can adapt to take immediate steps toward becoming recovery friendly.
Participants should come prepared to share
- Their drug free workplace policy
- The medical plan benefits that cover substance use disorder
- Return to work policies
- Any additional policies, program, or practices that support those with substance use disorder
Meet the speakers
David Shapiro (he/him) is the Assistant Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Centers for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health. He leads Health Links® and the Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative™, two nationally recognized programs helping employers implement Total Worker Health® strategies and enhance workplace mental health, safety, and well-being. David is a seasoned advisor to public health and business leaders, providing technical assistance to over 250 employers across high-risk industries and underserved communities each year.
David Shapiro is a highly respected figure in the field of workplace-supported recovery. He co-chairs the Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace™ Employer Workgroup and played a pivotal role in securing the passage of Colorado SB24-048, which established the state's Recovery Friendly Workplace certification. His expertise in employer-driven behavioral health innovation has been shared at prestigious platforms such as the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and other national forums.
David holds a Certificate in Total Worker Health® and will complete a master’s in public health (MPH) in Leadership and Public Health Practice at the Colorado School of Public Health in Spring, 2026. His current research explores how workplace characteristics such as job autonomy and organizational support influence well-being, job satisfaction, and retention among employees in recovery from substance use disorder. He brings a collaborative spirit, grounded expertise, and a deep belief in the power of healthy workplaces to transform lives.
Terry Leckron-Myers is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience driving strategic innovation and operational excellence across the nonprofit and social services sectors. She is known for building high-performing teams, forging cross-sector partnerships, and leading transformative initiatives that advance equity, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform.
As Senior Director of Peer Delivered Services at the Peer Company, Terry oversees 45 diverse programs and leads a multidisciplinary team with a focus on performance accountability, contract compliance, and data integrity. Her leadership is rooted in trauma-informed, peer-delivered care and a commitment to progressive, community-based solutions.
Terry has successfully aligned complex funding streams, strengthened stakeholder relationships, and directed large-scale service coordination efforts. Her executive acumen was further demonstrated at Bridges to Change, where she led a team of 70 and collaborated with county and healthcare partners to streamline operations and improve outcomes.
Brett Lovins is the founder of Sober Curious Consulting and a leading voice on Recovery Friendly Workplaces. A person in long-term recovery since 2013, he spent over a decade at Cisco Systems, where he launched the Employee Resource Group: Sober Curious at Cisco, helped reshape how their large corporate events were planned, and built resources that made it easier for employees to get for help.
Today, Brett partners with HR leaders, safety teams, and business owners to assess risk, train managers, and implement practical Recovery Friendly strategies that improve retention, performance, and job-site safety. He’s a CFAA-HR certified facilitator in Addiction Awareness for HR and Managers, a Crucial Conversations facilitator, Dare to Lead™ trained, and a Certified Recovery Coach (CCAR). Brett serves on the Board of Directors for Recovery Beyond and hosts the podcast Addiction & Recovery Conversations, where he spotlights real stories and works to normalize conversations about substance use disorder.
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